Identity fraud

What is it?

Identity fraud and crime

Identity fraud happens in various forms of crime. For example, illegal labor, human smuggling, drug trafficking, money laundering and all kinds of fraud. By stealing an identity, criminals buy stuff in someone else's name without paying. Or they may communicate or work illegally on someone else's behalf.

3 types of identity fraud

There are 3 ways in which fraudsters acquire a new identity:

  • Perpetrators create a new, false identity
    For example, by creating a false document from a nonexistent person.
  • Perpetrators forge their own identity information
    For example, by putting a false date of birth on a document.
  • Perpetrators misuse someone else's data
    Such as name, address, date of birth and citizen service number.

Method of operation of scammers

Scammers can get your identity information in a variety of ways:

  • The scammer steals data and documents from you. For example, from your purse or home. Or from your mailbox, computer or cell phone.
  • The scammer tricks you into sharing information and documents. For example, with a chatting trick on the phone or at the door. Through online advertisements. Or with a phishing email.
  • The scammer receives data and documents from you "as a gift. For example, from poorly secured records, from your trash, through social media or on the Internet.

What can scammers do in your name?

  • online shopping and (phone) subscriptions;
  • rent a car or take a test drive;
  • doing business with the government;
  • open bank accounts and apply for loans and credit cards;
  • damage you via social media or your email account;
  • stay in a hotel or rent a house.

How does it work?

How can I prevent identity fraud?

You can protect yourself from identity fraud. One way is to be careful with your identity information, passport, Map or driver's license.

Don't let your identity information and documents be stolen

Keep your ID in a safe place

Stolen passports, ID Maps and driver's licenses are popular among criminals. This is because they are increasingly difficult to forge. The scammer buys online the ID of someone who looks like him. During identity checks, this type of fraud is difficult to spot.

Secure your mailbox against mail angling

Scammers can fish mail out of your mailbox. For example, they steal bank cards and PIN numbers. Or paychecks, annual statements and insurance papers. Health for a lock on your mailbox and mount a sturdy brush behind the flap.

Give your digital accounts dual security

Hackers can break into your computer or email or social media account. That way, they steal personal information or send messages under your name. Secure your accounts with double verification. You will receive an additional verification code by text message or through an app. A scammer cannot then start anything without your phone, tablet or computer.

Don't share your data and documents with the wrong people

Be alert to babbling scams

Scammers may call you and pretend to be an employee of a bank or computer company. Before you realize it, you are giving out your login information. Be alert to this. Check the story. Look up the company's phone number and explain who contacted you and what he asked for.

Buying or selling online? Do not send copies of your ID card

Some scammers advertise (online) something you want: concert tickets, housing, a nice job. Sometimes they ask you to send a copy of your ID or other documents. Do not respond to this.

Scammers may send you a phishing email. This is an email that looks like an email from the government, a bank or another well-known company. In that mail, they ask you for personal information or to log in by clicking on a link. This link takes you to a fake website. Do not click on the link. Look up the correct web address yourself from your bank, for example, and then surf to it.

Don't 'gift' your identity information

Prevent fraud with a copy of your ID

Organizations sometimes ask for a copy of your ID. Those copies are often kept properly, but not always. With a copy of your ID, scammers can open an online bank account or purchase a phone subscription. Make copies of your ID card unusable for scammers. Or use the KopieID app for this purpose . Destroy personal information in old documents or computers.

Scammers can search your trash for pay stubs, annual statements or insurance papers. Even if you get rid of your old computer, tablet or phone, it could fall into the wrong hands. Therefore, shred or tear up old documents containing your identity and address information. And destroy data on old computers and phones.

Be careful on social media

Scammers may collect data about you through Google, Facebook or Twitter, for example. This is how they carefully map your profile. Then they act on your behalf. Therefore, know what you share on social media. Definitely do not show photos of your passport, Map Map or driver's license online.

What to do.

Report forms identity fraud

Central Identity Fraud and Error Reporting Point (CMI).

Additional information

The Central Reporting Point for Identity Fraud and Identity Errors (CMI) supports and advises victims of identity fraud.

The CMI is the hotline of the National Office for Identity Data (RvIG). The CMI takes reports of identity fraud and errors in personal data. Upon a report of identity fraud or error in personal data, the CMI contacts the reporter. If necessary, the CMI engages another agency such as the Tax Office, police or RDW.

In addition, it provides information about identity fraud. It also provides advice and support to victims of identity fraud.

Forms

These forms are completed and sent exclusively by the Municipality of Kerkrade.

Notification of missing or expired travel document