Financial Crime World

IDENTITY THEFT: A THREAT TO FRENCH GUIANA RESIDENTS

The Growing Problem of Digital Identity Theft

In French Guiana, a growing number of people are falling victim to digital identity theft. According to recent statistics, over 210,000 people in France fall prey to this type of crime every year, representing 4.2% of respondents.

What is Digital Identity Theft?

Digital identity theft was made a punishable offense through Law No. 2011-267 of 14 March 2011, also known as LOPPSI II. It is defined in Article 226-4-1 of the French Penal Code as “the act of assuming the identity of a third party or using one or more pieces of data of any kind that could identify the party in order to disturb the latter’s peace of mind or that of others, or to harm their reputation or social standing.”

Consequences of Digital Identity Theft

  • The penalties for this crime include a one-year prison sentence and a €15,000 fine.
  • Thieves use stolen personal data to commit fraudulent purchases, blackmail, or damage the person’s reputation.
  • The consequences of digital identity theft can be far-reaching.

Common Methods Used by Thieves

There are two main ways that thieves perpetrate digital identity theft online:

Via Email

  • Scammers send emails to victims using public service or company logos.
  • They ask for personal data such as usernames, passwords, and banking information.

Via Fake Social Media Profiles

  • Thieves create fake profiles on social media platforms, posing as relatives or strangers.
  • They then ask the victim for money for various fictional reasons.

Protecting Yourself from Digital Identity Theft

If you fall victim to digital identity theft, act quickly and methodically:

  1. Change all of your passwords immediately.
  2. Contact the platforms related to the fraud to block the scammers’ access and get help walking through the process.
  3. Gather evidence by saving URLs, taking screenshots, and printing them.
  4. File a report with public services, which will support you throughout this process.

A Long Process, but Essential

Digital identity theft trials can take up to 50 months on average, though procedures can be lengthy. However, completing this process is crucial as victims may be awarded damages up to the amount of the loss suffered.

Increasing Security in French Guiana

Organisations in French Guiana are working tirelessly to close security vulnerabilities and improve digital identity systems. The coordinated implementation of digital identity ecosystems guaranteed by the government is making it increasingly difficult for thieves to forge identities.

By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself from digital identity theft and contribute to a safer online environment in French Guiana.