Dominican Republic Sees Rise in Identity Theft Cases: Officials Urge Victims to Come Forward

Fast-Growing Crime in the Dominican Republic

Identity theft has become one of the fastest-growing crimes in the Dominican Republic, with a disturbing trend emerging in the country. According to officials, the number of complaints filed between January and June this year has reached alarming levels.

Punishable by Law

The crime is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to 200 times the minimum wage, as outlined in Law No. 53-07 on Crimes and High-Tech Crimes. However, officials are concerned that many victims are not coming forward due to lack of awareness or disinterest in pursuing justice.

Urging Victims to Report Cases

Rosalba Ramos, Prosecutor for the National District, urged citizens who have fallen victim to electronic crimes to report them to the Public Ministry and see their cases through to conviction. She emphasized that abandoning cases only encourages cybercriminals to continue committing crimes.

Warning Against Sharing Personal Data

Ramos also warned against sharing personal data or intimate photos online, as well as creating newly created internet pages that may be used for extortion. She advised citizens not to give out private information that could lead to financial loss and recommended contacting financial institutions, credit card issuers, and other businesses that may have been affected by the theft.

Importance of Reporting Cases

The official also highlighted the importance of reporting cases of identity theft to the police and notifying authorities in case of loss or theft of documents with official value. “If we don’t take action against these crimes, they will only continue to increase,” Ramos warned.

Statistics on Identity Theft

According to statistics from the National District Attorney’s Office, there were:

120 complaints of online fraud
188 cases for defamation
66 for blackmail
49 for illicit access
40 cases of illicit obtaining of funds
40 for threats
39 annoying calls
19 for extortion
3 card-clonings

Combating Identity Theft

As the Dominican Republic struggles to combat identity theft, authorities are urging citizens to stay vigilant and take steps to protect their personal information. By reporting crimes and pursuing justice, officials hope to bring cybercriminals to account and prevent further victimization.

Conclusion

The rise in identity theft cases in the Dominican Republic is a cause for concern. It is essential that victims come forward and report these crimes to authorities. By working together, we can combat this issue and ensure the safety of our personal information.