There's a 33% chance that you're a victim of identity theft...

[Dom]

Happy "Safer Internet Day", everyone.

Did you know that approximately one-third of people have been victims of identity theft?
(source: https://explodingtopics.com/blog/identity-theft-stats )

This means that you, whoever is reading this: there's literally 33% chance that at some point you've had your personal sensitive information stolen and it's been used in organized crime for the profit/benefits of the cybercriminals.

Think of all the years you've been using a computer, all the years you've been using the internet. Think of all the suspicious software that you downloaded, all the links that you have visited. If not now, back when you were younger and less tech-savvy, 10 years ago?
All the information you've entered on websites, all the data stealers that you may have downloaded. The cybercriminals have likely created a personal profile out of the data they've gathered about you.

There are tools that you can use to check if your accounts (email) have been compromised in data leaks, and I would highly advise to stay alert regarding data leaks and breaches. You cannot change the past and correct your mistakes but what you can do is secure your future.

Stay safe! If you have any tips you'd like to share for the safety and security of others, please do.

[BigBallinChester]

Most likely everyone had data stolen because of hospital hacks, credit beuras and major social media getting their info stolen.

[Heitor Villa-Lobos]

I see personal data mining & broking to be thefts of one's identity and a direct attack on their Universal Human Right to Dignity.

My tip: use services that don't try to proffit on your data and sue whoever does without your consent.

Also, use services like Incogni to erase your data from the records of data brokers.

[Xero_Daxter]

I don’t think anyone want to steal my identity. I’m a threat to society and is on the FBI watchlist.

[Dom]

Originally posted by Crasus:

Most likely everyone had data stolen because of hospital hacks, credit beuras and major social media getting their info stolen.

Yep. It would be interesting to see what data cybercriminals have about each of us. For some it may be just their names and emails, for some it may be hundreds of personal photos. For instance I think most people have been infected with malware at some point of their lives. Malware can in some cases steal the data of the entire hard drive.

In some countries I've had my passport scanned when signing into hotels. People put enormous amount of trust into different operators and that's why the topic is so important.

The 33% statistic is unfortunately very high but believable.

[junior_duck]

I am confident that fraudsters have the ability to hijack accounts or fraudulently withdraw funds from your credit card. It is always dangerous to rely on someone without fully comprehending the situation, particularly on marketplaces or unreliable websites. Furthermore, it is important to never place your trust in anyone without weighing the potential consequences.

[Dom]

Originally posted by Heitor Villa-Lobos:

I see personal data mining & broking to be thefts of one's identity and a direct attack on their Universal Human Right to Dignity.

My tip: use services that don't try to proffit on your data and sue whoever does without your consent.

Also, use services like Incogni to erase your data from the records of data brokers.

I don't think big tech companies provide sensitive, personal data to cyber-criminals. Sure, it's a privacy matter but it is not a data safety matter that much. Google would never use your data to commit identity theft or let others commit identity theft with it, as a legit and legal company.

You're more at risk when you enter information to other websites, or authorize unknown and untrustworthy software or people to access your folder and files.

But I completely agree with the incognito advice. Many common info-stealer malware out there send browser history and activity forward. It's also one reason why storing login details may not be a good idea.

[Funky Monk]

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

[Phénomènes Mystiques]

Those criminals that stole my identity are probably going to make me look like a saint compared to what I have done to it...

[Pierce Dalton]

The joke's on them, they won't get any credit by impersonating me

[Dom]

Originally posted by Bunni Bealla:

I hope they do something useful with it
at least use it to finally get Klarna cause they always decline me uwu

What if they will take loans using your personal information, they get the money and you get the invoice? That wouldn't be fun...

That actually used to happen more often in the past but nowadays ID confirmation requirements have gotten tougher.

[Chaosolous]

It's about time!

[Candyy]

I am the 66,6%

[sleeps]

but would you take the precautions tho? if you want to then go on but should everyone?

[Dom]

Originally posted by sleeps:

but would you take the precautions tho? if you want to then go on but should everyone?

I think everyone should!

[Xautos]

Originally posted by Crasus:

Most likely everyone had data stolen because of hospital hacks, credit beuras and major social media getting their info stolen.

Not sure the NHS still uses that ancient windows XP? it's a custom version designed for the hospital service, but the NHS never has the funding to upgrade their services and has to make do with something so adequated. it's not a surprise that patient data could be stolen.