E5 | Identity theft

This module will teach you about identity theft, how to protect yourself from it, and what to do if you are affected by it.

• 1. What is identity theft?

  Identity theft is when cyber-criminals use someone’s personal data against their will to pretend to be that person. Where exactly the cyber-criminals acquire their data usually remains unclear, but it could come from successful phishing attempts, data leaks from major online platforms, or publicly available information.

  The end goal of identity theft is usually money. Scammers will set up user accounts in your name to purchase goods and services, or order paid subscriptions. Victims usually won’t find out an identity theft has occurred until they get an invoice of some form, are contacted by a collection agency regarding outstanding payments, or notice abnormalities on their bank statements.

  

  With the help of the Hasso Plattner Institute’s Identity Leak Checker, you can enter your email address to find out if your personal information has been disseminated on the internet before.

  Got it!

• 2. Avoiding identity theft

  Identity theft prevention is very similar to doxing prevention, as you will see in the following steps:

  Data economy

  The best protection against identity theft is data economy. Be careful with your personal data on the internet, and only reveal as much information about yourself as is absolutely necessary to use a service.

   

  Privacy settings

  While using professional networking sites such as LinkedIn or Xing, you should think twice about how important it is to upload your CV or post details from your everyday working life. If possible, only grant certain people access to your occupational information.

  Learn about phishing schemes

  Criminals can employ phishing schemes to steal your data, so make sure to do your research on how to avoid falling victim to these scams. Unit E3 can give you some valuable tips.

  Got it!

• 3. What do I do if my identity has been stolen?

  If you have fallen victim to identity theft despite all of your precautions, it is important to act quickly and decisively:

  • Inform work colleagues, superiors, and your company’s IT department .
  • Contact your bank and tell them to block your account and any associated cards. If a payment has already been charged, try to get it reversed.
  • Call the police and file a criminal complaint.
  • If your online accounts are affected, change all associated passwords.
  • Answer any payment reminders, enforcement notices, or collection letters There is usually an objection period that you should be aware of and definitely not miss.
  • Report identity theft to Schufa as well, as unpaid bills and collection procedures can have a negative impact on your credit score.

  

  When you receive a notice from a collection agency, it is important to react quickly. Sometimes a call to the collection agency is enough to clarify the facts, and it is also helpful if you can submit a copy of your criminal complaint to them right away.

  Got it!