Identity theft, despite the wider or narrower nature of the concept, is an issue for increasing concern regarding crimes using information technologies, considering its implication both for economic loses and for compromising credit records, prestige and even social identity of the victims. This article discusses some legal and factual trends related to electronic frauds, using qualitative data from a research project in Venezuela to show national tendencies and emerging issues. Certification and authentication processes are discussed along the strength and weakness of different systems, while it is adressed, as well, the balance between multiplying controls for enhancing safety and overburden of users by applying longer and more demanding processes for authentication and keeping confidential records. A crime opportunity approach is suggested for better understanding modalities and issues related to these type of crime, while promotion of education and responsibility, both at the level of agencies and individuals, is suggested as a useful way for enhancing protection of confidential information.
Digital certificates; Encription; Electronic fraud; Crime prevention