Identity theft has become a growing concern in today’s increasingly digital world. In the latest episode of Pag-Usapan Natin ‘To sa Bayanihan, hosts Manang Lucy and Ikit ng Bayan sat down with identity theft expert Felimelia G. Abenes-Douglass to discuss this timely concern.
The trio talked about the various forms of identity theft, shared real-world examples, and provided practical tips to help people, young and old alike, protect themselves. Here’s a comprehensive look at the discussion and some essential takeaways for safeguarding your identity.
What is identity theft?
According to Douglass, identity theft is the act of obtaining and using someone else’s personal information—such as social security numbers, bank details, or even social media accounts—for fraudulent purposes. Unlike stealing cash or property, identity theft involves impersonating someone to commit crimes or gain financial benefits.
One common misconception is that identity theft is limited to scams originating on social media or email. While these are prominent avenues, Douglass emphasized that it can occur in everyday situations, like losing a wallet containing identification or bank cards unscrupulous individuals can exploit for financial gain, or sharing sensitive information on unsecured platforms.
A rising threat
The Philippine National Police reported 2,999 or nearly 3,000 cases of cyber identity theft in 2023 alone, with numbers continuing to climb. These crimes can result in severe financial losses, legal trouble, and even imprisonment for the perpetrators. In some cases, offenders face penalties starting at ₱200,000 and imprisonment ranging from six months to 12 years.
Douglass highlighted how evolving technology and the increasing reliance on online banking, digital payments, and social media make Filipinos more vulnerable to identity theft. “We must remain vigilant,” she warned.
Senior citizens — a vulnerable group
Douglass shared insights from her experiences as a tax professional in the U.S., where senior citizens were often targeted due to their limited tech-savviness.
They might inadvertently disclose personal details, such as PINs or social security numbers, to scammers posing as legitimate representatives.
In the Philippines, senior citizens face similar risks, so Douglass urges the younger generation to help their elders understand the threats of identity theft and adopt safer practices.
Types of identity theft
Identity theft isn’t a one-size-fits-all crime and there are two primary forms:
- Financial identity theft: This involves stealing banking information, credit card details, or online payment credentials to make unauthorized transactions. Using a stolen debit card to withdraw cash or shop online is an example of this type.
- Social media identity theft: Scammers create fake accounts mimicking real people to solicit money or sensitive information from unsuspecting friends and family. An example of this would be sending messages to friends asking for financial help under false pretenses.
Protecting yourself from identity theft
Douglass and the hosts emphasized proactive measures to safeguard oneself against identity theft. Here are some great tips you can easily apply to secure your personal and financial information:
- Strengthen passwords. Use strong passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Change passwords regularly and avoid reusing them across platforms.
- Keep records of passwords in a secure place. Avoid taking pictures of your passwords and keeping them on your mobile phone gallery, and keep written records under lock and key.
- Be wary of phishing attempts. Never click on suspicious email links or provide personal information via email or text. Always verify the legitimacy of requests by contacting banks or institutions directly.
- Monitor bank accounts regularly. Check your account balances frequently to spot unauthorized transactions early. Report discrepancies to your bank immediately.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Public Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable to hacking. Douglass recommends using laptops with secure connections instead of smartphones for online banking.
- Secure social media accounts. Be cautious about accepting friend requests from duplicate accounts. Notify friends immediately if your account is compromised.
- Verify before trusting. If someone contacts you for financial help, confirm their identity through a call or face-to-face interaction before taking action.
Douglass also shared practical ways to identify scams and fraudulent activities:
- Unsolicited friend requests: A duplicate account with your friend’s name is likely a scam.
- Urgent financial requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting without verifying.
- Unfamiliar website URLs: A legitimate account or organization will not have suspicious or lengthy URLs.
Lessons from real-life scenarios
Manang Lucy recounted a personal experience where scammers attempted to gather her banking details via email. By staying vigilant and contacting her bank directly to verify if the request she received by email was legitimate, she avoided falling victim to the scheme.
Douglass also highlighted how, in some instances, family members can misuse personal information, emphasizing that trust should never override caution when it comes to sensitive data.
The role of institutions
Douglass stressed the need for more robust fraud detection systems in the Philippines. Compared to countries like the U.S., where biometric authentication and fraud monitoring are standard, the local banking system still has room for improvement.
However, individuals must also take responsibility. “Verify, verify, verify,” Douglass advised, whether dealing with banks, government agencies, or online platforms.
Additional tips for protecting your identity
Here are some extra precautions to keep your identity safe from predators or scammers:
- Limit personal information on social media. Avoid sharing sensitive details like your address, contact numbers, or vacation plans online.
- Shred sensitive documents. Dispose of bank statements, bills, and other documents containing personal information securely.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification.
- Educate family members. Discuss identity theft risks with family members, especially older relatives and children.
Identity theft is a societal problem that requires collective vigilance. From strengthening passwords to verifying suspicious requests, every small step can make a big difference in protecting yourself and your loved ones.
As Ikit aptly observed, “We know what we need to do; the only problem is sometimes laziness gets the best of us. Being vigilant and proactive is key to safeguarding what matters most.”
For the youth, Douglass emphasized the importance of bridging generational gaps by helping older family members understand modern security practices. Together, Filipinos can create a more informed and secure community.
Let’s take these lessons to heart and ensure we stay one step ahead of identity thieves. Remember: verify, stay vigilant, and protect your identity at all costs.
Catch the next episode of the Pag-Usapan Natin ‘To sa Bayanihan podcast every Thursday afternoon on the official Facebook pages of Balitang Northern Luzon and the Baguio Chronicle to learn more about important topics that matter to you.
