Puerto Rico Cracks Down on Identity Theft with New Birth Certificate Law

A Bold Move to Combat Identity Theft and Fraud

In a significant effort to combat identity theft and fraud, the Puerto Rican government has passed a law invalidating all birth certificates issued prior to July 2010. The new law requires citizens to obtain new birth certificates with enhanced security features, designed to prevent falsification.

The Problem of Misused Birth Certificates

In Puerto Rico, it is common for individuals to request multiple copies of their birth certificate throughout their lifetime. According to estimates, the average Puerto Rican requests around 20 copies of their birth certificate over the course of their lifetime, making them vulnerable to identity theft. This has led to a rampant misuse of birth certificates in the island nation.

New Birth Certificate Requirements

Under the new law, citizens must obtain new birth certificates with improved security features. These features include:

Enhanced security paper
Watermarked documents
Holograms and other anti-counterfeit measures

In addition to issuing new birth certificates, the government has changed its policy regarding the handling and sharing of vital documents. Citizens are now advised not to give out their birth certificates or other vital documents to anyone, even if requested by government agencies or educational institutions.

Identity Theft Protection Crucial in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is not alone in its struggle against identity theft. Citizens around the world face similar threats, and it’s essential for individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves.

Experts’ Recommendations

Experts recommend a multi-faceted approach to identity theft protection, including:

Using identity theft protection software and services, such as Lifelock
Shredding documents containing sensitive data
Being cautious when using ATMs
Keeping vital documents in a secure location
Only providing credit card information to trusted websites with robust security measures

Online Shopping Safety Tips

When shopping online, individuals should:

Only provide credit card information to trusted websites
Look for the “https” prefix and a lock icon in the browser address bar
Check the website’s return and refund policies

Conclusion

By taking these precautions and staying informed about identity theft protection strategies, Puerto Ricans and citizens around the world can better protect themselves against this growing threat. The new birth certificate law is a significant step forward in combating identity theft and fraud, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to safeguard personal information.