At this time, there is no information to suggest misuse of the information that was stolen from the COMELEC website. However, we are continually investigating and monitoring the situation. We have set up a Voter Care Center to provide assistance to those who have been affected by the incident.
In the meantime, here are steps you can take to protect your identity:
- Spot the warning signs of identity theft, such as
- Bills for goods or services you didn't purchase appear on your credit/debit card statements: Don't ignore small charges. Identity thieves sometimes do a test with a small purchase. If it's unauthorized, verify the information and immediately inform the credit card company.
- Statements show up for an unknown credit card account: Armed with the right information, a thief can apply for credit cards in your name. They hope to go on a shopping spree-in your name, of course-before they get caught and the account is closed.
- A credit card or store charge card that you didn't apply for shows up in the mail: An ID thief pretending to be you may have applied for that card. Don't assume it's a mistake. Contact the company right away.
- Collection notices or calls for a debt you don't owe: It could be that an ID thief is using your personal information to buy things and not pay the bill. You'd better find out.
- Missing mail or email: If the monthly statement from your bank or credit card company suddenly stops, that could signal an issue. A thief may have filed a change of address form to get that statement and keep it from getting to you.
- Be aware of online phishing scams
Online phishing is when a website impersonates a business you trust in order to get your private information. Never click on links you don't trust and don't give out your personal information. Legitimate organizations never ask for your information through texts, pop-up messages, or email. Scammers may call and pretend to be from the government or a business to try to get you to give them sensitive information. If a caller asks for your information, call back using a number you know to be legitimate. - Update your passwords
Most people use things like birthdays and the names of spouses as passwords. If the information in the COMELEC database could be used to guess your passwords - such as birthdates and birthplaces - and change them. Use complex passwords of 10-12 characters, combining letters, numbers, and special characters. Don't use something that is easily guessable for someone who knows you or has information about you. Don't repeat passwords for several accounts. - Review and check up on your practices for safe, secure, and responsible online activity.
Democracy.net.ph is a non-governmental organization that provides information that you can use to make your internet use as safe as possible. - If you think your identity has been stolen, immediately file a report with the National Bureau of Investigation Cybercrimes Division.
- Exercise extra vigilance in monitoring any suspicious transactions in your bank or credit card accounts.
- Change the secret questions on all of your online or internet accounts, including email. Secret questions that are answerable by birthdays or mothers’ maiden names are especially at risk.
- Update your antivirus software and firewalls.
- Increase privacy, authentication, and other security levels on all your email and social network accounts.
- Avoid opening or clicking suspicious emails.
- Promptly renew identification cards, passports, or licenses, to update your information.
