Wednesday 16 May 2018
Better to be suspicious than deceived
Online identity theft is a reality that can not and should not be underestimated because unfortunately nobody gets rid of it. In this way, identity theft is considered when one person passes himself off as another in order to cause him harm or even commit an illegality.
This identity theft can be carried out by mere strangers with the intention of stealing money or using the data of another to pay their bills, but also by people from our circle of acquaintances who have access to our personal information, of which They take over many times to denigrate our image and reputation before third parties. We have as an example of this the creation of false profiles on social networks that, besides being able to defame us, are undoubtedly an attack on our good name and dignity.
In addition to stealing personal data may also appropriate bank data that, even being a type of fraud that may incur a prison sentence, the truth is that more and more people are verified to be mocked where the guilty are unharmed. This type of use of banking and / or personal data of third parties for their own benefit is called PISHING.
Despite being very complicated to prevent this type of identity theft, there are some recommendations to take into account both to protect personal data online and to avoid teasing illicit websites.
Therefore, it is important:
- Periodically renew the passwords of emails and social media profiles;
- Avoid using passwords related to birth dates or phone numbers;
- Always keep the antivirus updated;
- Distrust emails that request personal information;
- Have a virtual credit card with a money limit and an expiration date;
- Check if web pages have "secure purchase certifications" and the "online trust seal";
- Check that they are pages with verified identity (green padlock next to the link on the page) and with a connection of type "https";
- See if the pages present a well-maintained aesthetic and without spelling errors;
- Confirm that there are reliable contact data on the web pages in case an unexpected event arises with the items purchased.
Obviously no matter how careful you are and even following these and other recommendations, nothing guarantees us that we will not be victims of this type of fraud, however the more attention we have in relation to this issue, the less likely it will be for something similar to happen to us.
But if this type of misfortune happens to us it is convenient not to forget that as it is described in article 401 of the Penal Code: "the one who usurps the civil status of another will be punished with the prison sentence of six months to three years". Trusting that justice be done.
Sindia Alves and A. Oliver
Anthropologist and Private Investigator
of Oliver Detectives
of Oliver Detectives
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