Identity theft is the theft of personal data with the aim of impersonating another person (usually for financial gain); for example, someone who looks very much like you might use your ID to take out a loan in your name.
Data theft is the theft of confidential personal information, such as passwords or bank account numbers. Scams are carried out using unsolicited emails or fake websites that may appear legitimate at first glance or are designed to look like websites of well-known brands you are familiar with
Criminals use a variety of methods to collect personal information, ranging from gathering data posted online (information shared on social media) to sending spam, scams using unsolicited emails or fake websites.
How can you avoid this?
Be skeptical
Understanding digital threats starts with healthy skepticism toward any website or person asking for your personally identifiable information (PII). Never provide your personal data without first verifying the source of the request and the reason why the information is being requested.
Cybercriminals may play on your emotions or use intimidation tactics—never give in to external pressure. Your personal information belongs to you, so act as a responsible steward of your own data.
When you receive emails, pay attention to the following:
Do you know the sender?
Does the sender’s name contain any unusual symbols or words?
Have you received an email from this sender before?
Do the subject line and attachment name make sense?
Does the email contain a virus? It’s always a good idea to check using antivirus software.
If you receive an unsolicited email, do not reply to it. Otherwise, you’re likely to receive even more unsolicited emails in the future.
Consider your personal information access points
Your personal devices store a vast amount of personal information, which is why cybercriminals are always trying to access them. How can someone access your device if they aren’t sitting right in front of it? The main point of access is usually your internet connection.
Consider using a virtual private network (VPN), which protects and encrypts your online activity. When traveling, avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Traffic on public Wi-Fi networks can be easily intercepted, and your information can be stolen.
Also, do not post personal information online: bank account numbers, addresses, phone numbers, ID details, etc. Also, make sure the websites where you enter your personal information are legitimate, and that their design, name, and URL (especially the end of it) look trustworthy.
Get to Know the Usual Suspects
Familiarize yourself with common criminal messages sent via phone, email, or text message. Scammers often craft messages to make them appear as if they’re from a company or someone you know. They may ask you to take certain actions in response to the message, such as clicking a link, making a payment (especially if you receive offers like “€200 worth of training today for €2”), or replying with personal information.
Ensuring your privacy on social media is important for your reputation and to avoid criminals who search for victims and collect information about them on social media.
Read information about privacy settings on Facebook and Instagram.
