How to avoid problems if you need to use a copy of your passport on the Internet

Why a copy of your passport in the wrong hands is dangerous

Before you upload your passport photo to an unfamiliar service or send it to someone, you should make sure that your data is safe. Otherwise, you run the risk of facing one of the following problems.

1. A loan will be issued for you

Banks and decent microfinance organizations of this kind, of course, will not be allowed. To issue money, the employee must make sure that it is the owner of the document who is applying for it. And a copy of the passport will not suit him - he will need the original.

There are, however, compliant unscrupulous MFIs that need a copy. They are ready to issue loans remotely if the applicant sends a photo with a passport in hand. And this is not so difficult to do with a graphical editor. Finally, fraudsters can work directly with a bank or MFI and fileA bank employee is suspected of fraud when applying for a loan agreements on someone else's passports.

Often, the victim is unaware of the loan or credit for a long time, until penalties, fines and huge interest accrue. Then the department for work with debtors finds her, or even immediately

collectors.

2. A fraudulent electronic wallet will be registered on you

Usually a phone number is enough to open it. But the set of operations and the volume of transfers will be limited until identification using passport data. Identity verification opens up great opportunities for fraudsters. For example, they can use multiple wallets to transfer stolen money from account to account and thus cover their tracks. It will be more difficult for the police to track the movement of funds, and if they do, they will come to you.

3. A company will be registered on you

Through one-day companiesBe carefull! Don't give your passport for registration of "one-day" companies! Even for money scammers can launder money, evade taxes, conduct other illegal transactions or simply collect loans. The “owner” will have to be responsible for this.

4. You will be registered with a SIM card

The copy of the document can be easily edited and instead of the victim's photo, "paste" the fraudster's photo into it. And then - to issue a SIM card in the communication salon. From this number, the swindler will most likely deceive people: to deceive bank numbers kart and codes from SMS, promise to sell goods, and so on.

An attacker may not receive a new card, but reissue yours and continue to act according to the situation. If you have a lot of money in your account, they will try to withdraw it. And if the scammer is lucky, he will receive codes from SMS, only yours. Operators are now insuring against such a development of events and after replacing the SIM card they block incoming messages for a day. Banks also have protection against this. But anything can happen.

In addition, cybercriminals often manage to gain access to social networks and mail through a phone number, and sometimes information that is more confidential than passport data is hidden there.

5. It will be easier to deceive you and your relatives

Any person leaves a large informational footprint on the Internet. If the fraudster also receives passport data, it becomes easier to deceive the victim and his relatives.

For example, distrustful parents will not react to a message like “Your son hit a man, but we will solve the situation for a bribe”. But if they are dictated to accurate data, panic can overpower the voice of reason.

In addition, there is scope for creating fake payments, tax notices and other documents.

How to safely use a copy of your passport online

1. Do not send a copy of your passport to just anyone

An obvious tip that many people ignore. Provide a copy or photo of the document only when you are confident in the interlocutor. It is one thing if you apply for a new place remotely and send a work book with an application for employment by regular mail, and copies of your passport and SNILS - electronic. And it is completely different when you are just making an agreement with a potential employer about an interview via video link, and they immediately require documents from you. This situation looks suspicious.

2. Watermark the copy

Write in transparent letters what it is for. For example, if you go through identification in a payment service, indicate exactly that. For this, it is better to use photo editor on a computer or smartphone, not an online service.

Removing watermarks will not be easy, and it will be impossible to use the copy for fraudulent purposes with them. This does not save you from leakage of passport data, but it narrows the list of operations for the attacker.

3. Pay more attention to agreements on the processing of personal data

It is impossible to collect, store and transfer personal data of a person without his permission.Federal Law of 27.07.2006 No. 152-FZ. Therefore, usually you are required to sign the appropriate document or at least put a tick in the required field. The agreement informs why you provide personal data and what will be done with it. If it does not exist at all, this is a reason to be wary.

What else can be done

Periodically check credit history. You can do this twice a year for free. If you find unauthorized debt, deal with the organization that issued the loan in your name and involve the police.