IDENTITY THEFT EXPERIENCES OF VICTIMS IN BARANGAY SANTA MONICA JORDAN PLAINS NOVALICHES QUEZON CITY

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of identity theft victims, particularly focusing on the impact of modern payment systems. In today’s economy, transactions are often conducted based on promises to pay, backed by data linking buyers to specific accounts or credit histories. This research investigates the effects of identity theft and offers advice and preventative measures for individuals who may not be fully aware of the risks and consequences associated with such crimes. This study used purposive sampling to gather data on the experiences of identity theft victims. A descriptive method with a qualitative approach was applied to understand the lived experiences of those affected. The study defines identity theft as "the unlawful use of another’s personal identity." Since the research focuses on existing data, the number of respondents was limited. The data was collected through a survey questionnaire and analyzed using a weighted mean, with 45 respondents participating in the study. This study revealed that the majority of respondents were between the ages of 18 and 25, with 14 participants (31%) falling within this age group. In terms of educational attainment, most respondents were college graduates, representing 58% of the sample.  Regarding the survey questions:  Q1 ("Victims may experience anxiety and a loss of self-esteem due to trauma, especially without counseling after the incident") had a weighted mean of 3.27. Q2 ("Victims may begin to lose trust in those around them and may develop low self-worth") had a weighted mean of 3.13. Q3 ("Victims may struggle to open a new bank account due to fear of being a victim of identity theft again") had a weighted mean of 3.04. Additionally, Q1 (regarding the importance of avoiding sharing sensitive information on social media, such as passwords, email addresses, bank account numbers, and photos of documents) showed a tied frequency of 40, which accounted for 89% of respondents. This emphasizes the high awareness and concern regarding the protection of personal data. Barangays should actively promote awareness on how to protect personal identities, emphasizing the importance of avoiding fraudulent websites, unauthorized promotional messages, and individuals requesting sensitive information such as email addresses or bank account details. Furthermore, local police should work alongside barangays to provide protection for identity theft victims, assisting in investigations and offering counseling services to help victims recover. This joint effort can ensure that individuals are better equipped to safeguard their personal information and receive the support they need in the aftermath of an identity theft incident.