A 61-year-old Methuen man, Victor Urena-Almanzar, has appeared in U.S. District Court in Boston after being charged with misuse of a Social Security number and aggravated identity theft. Victor Urena-Almanzar, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, made his initial court appearance in Boston federal court on May 11, 2026.
Court documents state Urena-Almanzar allegedly stole a U.S. citizen’s identity to obtain multiple Massachusetts ID cards and a U.S. passport in the victim’s name. He used several names to travel between the United States and the Dominican Republic and to secure a Massachusetts REAL ID.
Records show that in 2001, Urena-Almanzar pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. He was also convicted in 1995 for fraud involving illegal communication devices in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
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The charges tied to this case were announced by attorney Leah B. Foley and Jeff Grimming, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. Authorities stated the charges against Victor Urena-Almanzar are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Nearly two decades after the REAL ID Act was signed into law, full enforcement officially began on May 7, 2025. Meanwhile, misuse of a Social Security number carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine. It can also include up to three years of supervised release. The defendant may also face deportation after serving the sentence.
According to reports, critics argue that traditional identity methods like REAL ID are no longer enough to resolve advanced cyber threats and claim that stronger digital identity safeguards are needed to better prevent fraud and financial crime.
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Experts also warn that with advanced AI platforms and the usage of deepfake technology, identity fraud has become more advanced, allowing criminals to create fake IDs and bypass checking systems used by banks, financial institutions, and government services.
According to Experian, with nearly 70 million citizens receiving Social Security benefits, fraudulent activity involving Social Security numbers and benefits has become increasingly common. Citizens can face major problems because of unwanted fraud, such as receiving debt collection notices for accounts they never opened, or other serious financial losses.
Other key warning signs include suspicious address changes on accounts and having problems claiming benefits because someone else is already using the number. It is advisable to contact bank authorities immediately if your finances seem affected. Victims who lost money should also consider filing a police report at the nearest station.
