Identity Theft
The developing digital world is proving that our identities are becoming more vulnerable than they were ever before. Since our identities are becoming more and more vulnerable, they are becoming targets of being stolen. In digital world identity theft means use of someone else’s personal information which has been accessed or stole using illegal or unauthorized means for fraudulent purposes. This has become a pervasive threat to all the users who have any sort of online account or are using any type of public network. As an experienced cybercrime investigator, I have seen devastating social, moral, financial, psychological and mental effects of identity theft on individuals and families. Because it is more than just about stolen credit cards rather it can cause chaos on our financial accounts, credit ratings, and even out mental and psychological wellbeing.
In this blog, I will try to use simple terms and make try to make it easy is for anyone who just wants to understand that what is identity theft, how to protect himself from identify theft, and what to do if he/she is a victim of identity theft.
What is Identity Theft?
If a criminal obtains and uses someone’s personal information without his consent, it is called identity theft. This information includes national identity number, social security number, bank account details, credit card numbers e.t.c. If this information is stolen, it can be used in various types of frauds for example opening accounts, purchases, and/or even more serious crimes in the name of victim.
Purposes of Identity Theft
Identity theft is possible using different tactics and techniques, but following are most common types of identity theft:
Identity Theft for Financial Gain:
This is the most common type of identity theft in which someone steals your personal information to transfer money from your account to a another account and/or make unauthorized purchases e.t.c.
Identity Theft for Medical Benefits:
As you know that medical insurances are generally expensive; therefore, criminals steal medical information to obtain healthcare services under victim’s name and potentially leading to incorrect diagnoses or tempering with victim’s insurance record.
Driving License Identity Theft:
As you know that in certain states driving license can be used to make purchases. Therefore using stolen driver’s license details, digital thieves can use them to buy illegal goods and can also commit traffic violations in your name.
Identity Theft to Takeover Account:
Criminals may also gain access to an existing accounts including email addresses, social media accounts, bank accounts e.t.c. to steal money or spread misinformation. The criminals may also use your account to commit further crimes which may end up the investigation to victim’s door step.
Techniques Used for Identity Theft:
Identity theft can happen in a number of ways; but, cybercriminals often use techniques like phishing, malware attack, and data breaches to steal personal information. Moreover cybercriminals also use traditional methods to trick individuals to reveal their sensitive personal information.
Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft:
To minimize the damage it is very important in any type of cybercrime that it is detected at an early stage. Regular monitoring is very important to achieve this target and marking red flags in daily routine is potent to early detection and following steps can be taken to protect yourself:
- Credit card statements being over charged.
- Difficulty in accessing your online accounts.
- Bad credit report while having good financial standing.
- Receiving medical bills for services which you have never received.
- Notices from government agencies about benefits which you have never applied for.
Protection of your Personal Information:
When we talk about personal information it is actually a personal data which no one other than us has right to access or use without our permission. Therefore, it is important to protect it and I would suggest following techniques to protect your personal information from cybercriminals:
Use Multi-Factor Authentication and Strong Passwords:
I would recommend that never use the same password for all your online accounts. Rather you should create strong and unique passwords for your online accounts and update them regularly. You should always enable Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever available. MFA adds an additional layer of security which usually requires a code or authentication from your phone to log in.
Phishing Scams Awareness:
Cybercriminals also use phishing emails and phishing websites try to deceive the victim which ends up in revealing his personal information. Therefore, be cautious of all such emails particularly from unknown senders, especially those who pose for urgent requests or promising unbelievable benefits or deals. One more thing that I would strongly recommend is that never click on suspicious links or attachments that you receive in messages and emails. Moreover, be watchful for suspicious emails, text messages, or phone calls which are requesting for personal information or urging you to click on links or download attachments. Also be skeptical of unwarranted requests, particularly if they seem to be too good to be true.
Devices Security:
Smart devices are also vulnerable to be used to steal personal information therefore, use biometric, strong passwords or PIN to lock your phone, computer, and tablets. I would further recommend to keep your online device’s software updated regularly AND download security patches. You should also Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible for an extra layer of security.
Avoid Social Media Sharing:
There is a universal truth that once you put something online it never goes away. Therefore avoid posting your personal information on social media, like your date of birth, full address, residence details or work details. These details are useful for social engineering attacks when criminals trick you to reveal your personal information for your identity theft.
Guard Your Personal Information:
Be cautious about who you share your personal information with, both online and offline. Avoid providing sensitive details unless you’re certain it’s necessary and secure.
Keep Yourself Updated:
Digital world is ever evolving hence you must stay informed about the latest identity theft trends and scams. Because knowledge is the best defense against becoming a victim.
Recommendations to Prevent Identity Theft:
If you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft, no need to panic. I suggest you that what should be your response:
Alert and Freeze Your Financial Accounts:
Victim’s financial accounts like bank account, credit card and other financial accounts may be at risk in case of an identity theft incident. Therefore, I would recommend to immediately alert your financial institution and bank and ask them to freeze your accounts till the issue is resolved.
Report the Theft to the Concerned Authority:
USA
If you are a resident of United States of America and is a victim of an online fraud, file a complaint online at https://www.identitytheft.gov/ This helps the FTC track trends and provides you with a recovery plan. You can also directly report and file a complaint online by visiting https://complaint.ic3.gov/ .
UK
For UK nationals or for those living in UK the individual has to first create an account and then he can file a formal complaint by visiting https://reporting.actionfraud.police.uk/login , alternatively you may call 0300 123 2040 for registering your complaint.
Canada
While living in Canada or being a resident or national of Canada you may call 1-888-495-8501. If you have a Government of Canada ID and have GC ID and password then you ma visit https://www.services.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/chooser-eng.html?ipeReferer=CAFCFRS and register your complaint online.
France
French nationals and those living in France may register their online complaints by visiting https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1435?lang=en#:~:text=For%20credit%20card%20fraud%20or,on%20Service%2DPublic.fr.
Pakistan
All Pakistani nationals and those who are at the time of crime residing in Pakistan may register their complaints regarding online fraud at https://www.nr3c.gov.pk or https://www.nr3c.gov.pk/creport.php. You can also register a complaint via email at helpdesk@nr3c.gov.pk or by calling at 0092 51 9106384 or on cell No 0092 336 6006060.
India
Indian nationals and visitor can call helpline number 1930 or report their complaints on National Cybercrime Reporting Portal https://i4c.mha.gov.in/ncrp.aspx#:~:text=Complaints%20can%20be%20reported%20through,on%20National%20Cybercrime%20Reporting%20Portal. Alternatively they can visit https://cybercrime.gov.in/ to report their complaints.
UAE
You can report cybercrimes to the nearest police station in your area, or call 999 for help in case you are a victim of an online fraud in UAE, alternatively you can also register your complaints online at https://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/wps/portal/home/services/individualservicescontent/cybercrime. UAE also has a live portal of online frauds at https://twitter.com/moiuae/status/1762866045822349606 where you can keep yourselves up to date regarding online frauds in UAE.
Australia
While being a victim of online fraud if you are an Australian national or visiting Australia you can register your complaint regarding online fraud by simply clicking www.reportCyber.gov.au or by calling the Australian Cyber Security hotline on 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371). Australia also has a dedicated portal to register online fraud complaints at https://portal.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam/ where you can directly register your complaints.
Contact Your Financial Institutions:
In addition to reporting to a Government agency, I would recommend you to report the identity theft to your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial institutions where the fraudulent activity may happen.
Conclusion
The bottom line of discussion is that identity theft is a serious threat which can have far-reaching consequences for its victims. But by understanding that how identity theft happens and by taking proactive steps to protect ourselves, we can significantly reduce our risk of falling a victim to this crime. Hence I would say that always stay vigilant and be cautious with your personal information, and never feel reluctant to seek assistance in case you feel that you have been targeted by identity thieves. Moreover, never be afraid of seeking professional assistance to dig out the truth. These days the credit counseling agencies and identity theft protection services are readily available in the market who can guide you through the recovery process.
Resources for further information:
The Expert in Cybercrime Investigation: https://naumanbodla.com/
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): https://www.identitytheft.gov/
The Identity Theft Resource Center: https://www.identitytheft.gov/
Delving into the Digital: A Look at Cyber Crime Investigations
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