Identity Theft

Identity Theft

Identity theft is where someone takes your personal details and re-creates a new social media profile that appears to be you. There can be a number of motives behind it but normally it is to take your identity to contact your circle of friends. This can lead to a stranger making contact with your friends and where they may make inappropriate contact with your friends but pretending to be you. In some cases they will try to access financial records and your other online accounts. This can seriously damage your online reputation.

It can also involves hacking into your account and'saying things' online that aren't true.

Top Tips

If you want to protect your online identity and online reputation.

• Use a variety of secure passwords for each of your accounts. A secure password uses a combination of upper and lowers case letters, numbers and symbols.
• Only allow people who who actually know to be your friend or to follow you.
• Check your privacy settings on all of your social media account so that you know who can view your online activity.
• Speak to a responsible adult if anything happens that makes you feel uneasy or contact Childline 08001111 or visit the CEOP website (https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/)
• Don't share everything online. This stops identity thieves building a 'complete' profile of you. Some information is personal and don't need posting online.

We wrote a little script that re-enacts what could happen.

(Luke hacks into Percy's social media account)

What Luke wrote: You know Joe. I think you are the worst friend in the world and I wish you weren't born.

(the next day)

Joe: PERCY!!!!

Percy: What is it?

Joe: you are the meanest person in the world. Let me show you what you wrote on social media.

(Shows message)

Joe: I'm sorry but if you are going to be like that then it's goodbye.

(Percy is left heart-broken.)

(Next week)

Percy: Joe, I know you're not my friend but you're saying that one of your other friends is dumb.

Joe: I know, Beck just stormed me off.

Percy: I think I know who it was.

Joe: Luke

Percy: I'll report him to the police.

(end)