identity fraud

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is fraud by taking over someone’s identity. For example, the criminal shops online in your name. He gets the stuff, you get the bill. In identity theft (ID fraud), criminals misuse personal information that they obtain through an online advertisement, social engineering or with a phishing e-mail. For example, this opens bank accounts in your name, to which criminal money can be transferred. Or the criminal uses your data to, for example, make purchases on credit.

In the videos of Safe Banking TV you will learn everything about safe banking. Marc from Safe Banking TV explains which tricks they use and what you can do about them. Don’t be fooled by suspicious emails, text messages or phone calls. Not everyone is who they say they are. Keep scammers away! Watch the video with tips from Marc from Safe Banking TV. Because if you look after yourself, you don’t give scammers a chance!

Fortunately, many organizations take measures against identity fraud. Banks, for example, have developed iDIN, which you can use to identify yourself to government agencies, insurance companies or online stores using the secure and trusted login methods of your own bank. You can also do a lot yourself to prevent identity theft. If you are a victim of identity fraud or if the government has made an error with your identity, always report this to the Central Reporting Center for Identity Fraud and Errors (CMI) and ask them for help. The folder Don’t give scammers a chance: a safe ID lists the types of identity fraud and how you can limit your damage.

What can criminals do with your identity?

Criminals delve into the methods used by companies and individuals to establish the identity of customers. They try to manipulate or abuse this method by using customer information and/or false IDs.

Theft of data and documents. From your home, bag, or wherever you keep it, from your letterbox, computer or mobile phone.
You are being tricked into sharing data. Via phishing emails, online advertisements or chat tricks on the phone or at the door. In some cases you may be tempted to send a copy of a valid ID.
The scammer finds your details. In poorly secured administrations, in your waste or via the internet and social media.

Possible scenarios after that:

The criminal opens accounts in your name in order to receive payments for so-called sales through advertisements on websites and Internet forums. Learn more about identity fraud through advertising
The criminal opens accounts in your name with the intention of incurring debts in your name.
The criminal is faking your move. For example, he tries to obtain your security codes and means of authentication (password, DigiD, bank cards, etc.) from you as an account holder.
The criminal requests a replacement means of authentication and/or security code on your behalf and then ‘angles it out of the letterbox’.
The criminal places orders at online stores on your behalf.
VBNL_IdentiteitsfraudeMBZKUYour identity card is on the black market. A scammer can buy an ID from someone who looks like him there. This ‘lookalike fraud’ can be difficult to spot in identity checks.
In addition to secure banking matters, there are other areas where the criminal can misuse your identity. You can read about this in the folder Don’t give scammers a chance: a secure ID.

What does the bank do?

When opening an account, you will be asked for a valid ID and it will be checked whether it has been reported as stolen.
Security means and codes such as cards, PIN codes and passwords are sent separately or must be collected in person.
Transactions and changes to personal information are often sent with confirmation that the customer can check.
Banks provide you with the best possible information about identity fraud and warn you about current attacks via the banking website.

What can you do?

Scammers are masters at earning your trust. Read about this in the folder Don’t give scammers a chance: a safe ID. Don’t fall for chat tricks on the phone or at the door, be alert to online advertisements and emails that require you to click links. If in doubt whether your bank is the sender of a message, you can always call your bank first.
Handle your identity documents with care. Do not give IDs or copies to people or parties you do not know or do not trust. You can also send your ID in encrypted and watermarked form. Use the CopyID app from the government for this.
Make sure your mailbox is well secured. It should not be possible to simply fish information from your letterbox. Think of a new debit card in your name requested by the scammer, letters from the tax authorities, pay slips, annual statements or insurance papers.
Have someone empty your mailbox if you are not home for a long time.
Raise the alarm if a security device and/or security code does not arrive.
Never click a link to a login page in emails. Surf to the correct web address yourself. The page to which the link points may be a counterfeit website of the criminal.
Secure your digital accounts such as DigiD, iDIN or social media with two-step authentication: you will receive an extra check by SMS or you generate this code with an app. A scammer can’t do anything without your phone, tablet or computer.
Regularly check your personal information and transactions on all your accounts.
Report loss or theft of bank cards, credit cards, etc. to your bank immediately.
Immediately report the loss or theft of your identity document to the police and your municipality.
Alert your bank to strange transactions and errors in personal data.

Indications of Identity Theft

Personal information has been changed without your consent.
You can no longer withdraw money.
There are transactions on your account statement for which you have not given an order.
You can no longer log in to internet banking.

Are you a victim of identity theft?

Immediately report identity fraud to your bank.
Report the identity fraud to the Central Government Identity Fraud Reporting Center.
Please contact the relevant authorities.
Keep a log of the events and keep all relevant correspondence. Collect as much evidence as possible proving identity theft. This includes copies of bank statements, letters from collection agencies or subscription requests.
If you suspect (as a victim or witness of) a criminal offense, report identity fraud to the police. Bring as many documents as possible to support your story. Without a report, the police cannot initiate an investigation and without a report you cannot recover the damage from the perpetrator or the insurance company and the perpetrator cannot be punished.
Change your account passwords regularly. Use strong and different passwords. A strong password is long and consists of a combination of regular letters and numbers, capitals, and special punctuation marks. This can also be a short sentence.
If a profile has been created in your name on Facebook, other social media or Marktplaats, submit a request to the relevant organization to have this profile removed.
Consider whether it is wise in your situation to inform your private and/or business contacts that you are a victim of identity theft.
fraud

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