The DMV may have a reputation for getting complaints but not all of them are always geared at the department. A number of complaints are from customers aimed at businesses they feel cheated them. Jose Argueta owns Argueta's Auto Body Repair but is currently facing felony embezzlement and forgery charges and it was the DMV that initially investigated the case in September 2011. KGET incorrectly reported Argueta was currently in custody.
The DMV has more than 200 investigators throughout the state who look into thousands of possible cases of illegal activity each year. those investigations can then go to the district attorney for possible prosecution. often times, DMV officials say those cases are tipped off by consumers who complained to the department.
"We are trying to get that information out and let people know there are other routes to go. The DMV is doing a lot of things than just handing out driver's licenses and registrations," said Jessica Gonzalez with the DMV.
Record of Complaint forms are available on the DMV's website and often used in ongoing investigations. You can find the DMV's forms by clicking here:
Request for Records and Consumer Complaint It is important to note that DMV investigations only result in criminal cases, which means they can't help you get money back in a civil matter.
