Identity theft has been in the news on and off for many years, theory test fraud in particular not easy to detect until centre staff begin to recognise a face, selling pass certificates, a little underhand dealing for a test pass, instructors selling pass plus certificates, and yes that does still happen but what about the test itself? How many fraudulent untraceable cases are there.
Of course then we have social net working sites, how often do you see personal information uploaded, have you ever sent your licence image by email or fax, how safe is it. Today the Government warned motorists about protecting the personal data that is available on the driving licence photocard, a nice quick way for a fraudster to build a profile, a driving licence isn't just about illegal drivers, to gain credit of any description identity proof is needed, what is accepted readily ? Photo bearing licences. The one licence for 28 member states was supposed to reduce fraud, with the steering wheel symbol identifying where the chip will be located once a common licence is held by all, target date 2030. However that is only the case if you protect this valuable information.
Could you be held partly responsible if it goes wrong? ID theft is one of the fastest growing crimes, can we really be unwitting victims? The most likely victims are young drivers who have just received their first licence, but at what point can we be protected, if you have scanned and mailed your photo card and info are you at risk?
Are we as instructors telling our pupils the risk of publishing a copy of their pass certificate, are ADI's putting pupils at risk with a photo of test day pass with a pupil holding their certificate as the information is easily recycled for someone else.
https://www.getsafeonline.org/protecting-yourself/safeguarding-identity/
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