Identity Theft

Identity theft is an increasing concern in New Zealand, however accurate figures on its prevalence are difficult to get due to underreporting. The rise of digital transactions and online activities has increased the risk of identity theft. According to the Ministry of Justice, 2,474 cases of identity theft were reported in 2020. However, experts estimate that this statistic only represents a minority of actual cases because many go unreported.

Identity theft can cause significant financial loss, credit harm, and emotional suffering for victims.

To prevent identity theft on social media, you must be vigilant and take proactive precautions. First, limit the amount of personal information published publicly, such as birth dates, addresses, and phone numbers. Adjust your privacy settings to limit who may see your posts and profile information. When accepting friend requests or communicating with strange accounts, be wary of phishing attempts. Regularly evaluate and update security settings and passwords, making sure to use strong, unique passwords for each account. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unexpected attachments, as these could contain malware. Consider using two-factor authentication to increase security. Finally, be aware of common schemes and strategies used by identity thieves, and teach people how to spot and avoid potential risks of identity theft on social networking platforms.

Trend Micro's multi-device security plans offer robust protection against identity theft, whether through Device Security Basic or Device Security Pro. Utilizing advanced capabilities like real-time threat detection and blocking, Trend Micro shields against malware, phishing attempts, and other illicit activities aimed at stealing personal information. Its antivirus software conducts thorough scans to detect keyloggers and various malware types that could compromise sensitive data. Moreover, Trend Micro's web protection feature prevents access to counterfeit websites and phishing links, thereby reducing the risk of unintentionally divulging personal information. It also identifies and filters phishing emails designed to deceive users into revealing confidential details. Overall, Trend Micro provides comprehensive defense measures through its identity theft protection plans, ensuring users' online safety and security.

Identity theft occurs through a variety of methods including phishing, which involves criminals sending deceptive emails or messages to fool people into providing personal information such as passwords or financial information. Data breaches occur when hackers use security vulnerabilities to gain access to databases containing sensitive information, which they then sell or misuse. Skimming devices are used to steal credit or debit card information from compromised ATMs or POS terminals. Social engineering techniques trick people into disclosing personal information, whereas dumpster diving is sifting through discarded documents for useful information. Malware can infiltrate devices and secretly grab login credentials or personal information. Fraudsters impersonate others in order to obtain sensitive information or fraudulently access accounts. These methods highlight the importance of safeguarding personal information and staying vigilant against potential threats

Several signs may indicate that your identity has been stolen:

• Suspicious Activity on Social Media: Unusual activity, such as unauthorized posts or messages, could indicate that someone has gained access to your accounts.
• Missing Mail or Bills: Your regular mail or email statements cease.
• Unexplained Transactions: Unrecognized purchases appear on your credit card statement, even small ones. Criminals often initiate with minor purchases before escalating.
• Errors on Your Credit Report: Your credit report contains suspicious entries, such as inquiries for credit that you did not initiate.
• Received Notices of Data Breaches: If you receive notifications about data breaches from companies you've interacted with, your information may have been compromised.
• Unexpected Credit Denials: Despite having a high credit score (as per your last check), you are denied credit for a loan or new credit card. Identity theft can easily tarnish a credit rating.