LAPD Detectives Arrest a DMV Official Impersonator NR10551cj

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Olympic detectives are looking to speak with anyone who may have been scammed by a man who claimed to be a DMV employee.  The suspect claimed he could obtain driver’s licenses and social security cards in exchange for money.  

On Nov. 21, 2010, at 1:50 p.m., 54-year-old Los Angeles resident, Julio Alvitres was arrested in the Mid-City area by Olympic detectives after an incident involving numerous DMV scams.

Investigators say Alvitres, “AKA” Julio Cesar Campos, approached and targeted Mexican, Central and South American nationals in the Mid-City area asking them if they were interested in obtaining a California driver’s license or a social security card.   He claimed to be an employee of the DMV office in West Covina and also carried a fake DMV employee card to show the victims.

Alvitres would tell each victim that the price of the identification card and the social security card would be $3000.00.  The victims, believing Alvitres was legitimate, gave him down payments ranging from $500.00 to over $1000.00.  He also told the victims that they could pay the balance upon delivery of these items.  Once a down payment was made, the suspect would stop all contacts with his victims.

Alvitres was arrested and booked at LAPD Southwest Jail under Penal Code Section 407 (D), Possession of Forged Identification and was held on $20,000.00 bail.  Alvitres has posted bail.

Anyone with information regarding these scams is asked to contact LAPD Olympic Robbery Detective Luis Corona at 213-382-9463.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.