How do I verify someones identity online

When verifying a person online, it is essential to determine whether the information they provide matches authoritative information. Use typical names, profiles, contacts and public records. For a video call, if it's allowed, or to look at their account and see if they have posted similar photos or if their accounts have drastically changed. Do not use only one clue from the internet to find out the identity.

Begin with the basic consistency profile

Visit the information provided by the person on a few platforms. Do you see any spelling changes? Are the profile photo, location, work information, account history cohesive? It's usually preferable to pick a new account with minimal activity, rather than a normal account.

Never follow a post just because of followers, see when it was posted and how often it is being posted. Fake accounts can copy photos, names and even comments from real accounts. Look out for misspelled words, places or information.

The other method to discover copied profile photos is with a reverse photo search. Many pictures with the same name should raise an alarm. Not a certain red flag of a fraud may be honest, others could have the same public image.

Avoid the use of indirect verification methods

A quick look can be made via a brief video call. Do not ask the individual to deliver it in a "sensual" manner, but a natural manner. If they are represented as a business, organisation or role, verify on the organisation's website and contact information.

Always don't use links sent by the person as the only one. You will need to log on to the official site and make comparisons. If someone says they are working for a local company, then do an online search for the company and follow the published contact details of the company.

Public records may help in some instances, but this will depend on the locality and type of records. Use valid and appropriate sources. Avoid sites which provide access to ‘secret databases' or ‘stolen personal information. May lead to fraud, viruses or privacy issues.

Therefore, there are certain red flags to watch for before you believe the identity of an online individual:

One of the most obvious is when things are going on when pressure is being applied. When someone tells you to make a decision now, doesn't respond to your inquiries and changes important details during the conversation, take heed.

If it is about money it's a special request, and that means special attention. Do not wire money simply because of a believable story or profile given by a person. Do not disclose one-time, banking, recovery codes or complete payment information.

Also with identification papers, watch out. Has information on passport, driving licence or other document that is sensitive. It could be riskier to privacy to email a whole document than to email it. If it's a service that requires Identity checks, then run the appropriate checks and know what it's asking for.

Another way scammers put pressure on you is by invoking the emotions. They can say that they have an expression of need, warn the receiver of the contents of the private conversation or present an item following the payment. If a discussion gets confidential, threatening, or extremely urgent, retreat from the discussion.

Be careful of online identity checks:

Verification should be to the mutual benefit of both parties. Never give access to the home or office, financial information, photos or passwords for the sake of trust.

Make sure that you use a strong, unique password and add multi-factor authentication for the more important accounts. Check privacy settings of social media websites. If at all possible, separate personal and professional accounts.

Avoid substituting the term “face to face meeting” for simple safety planning during a real in-person meeting. Plan to meet at a legal and appropriate location, have an alternative means of transportation and let a trusted individual know where you're going. This might be easier if there was an urban situation, or if it was a familiar space, but in Mumbai, a new or distant space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1. What's the major points of online verification of an individual's identity?

A. It can help you ignore being targeted, impersonated or impersonated as a user before you give your personal data or make a perfect choice.

Q2. Is it possible to identify a person using social media?

A. People can have fake information and pictures in their social profile. Analyse information from independent, reliable sources.

Q3. Do you have an ID on the Internet, can you give it to me?

A. Don't ask for anything that is secret. If it is a formal verification step, ensure that the service provider that you are using is really genuine and has a clear privacy policy.

Q4. How to proceed if I am being forcefully pressured during verification?

A. Have participants come to a stop and discuss. Rushed payment or changes to details, or pressure and threats may indicate.

Q5. Does a video calling suffice if someone calls you?

A. Another verification will be via video call but this will not be a full verification. Use it in addition to the other viable privacy compliant verification measures.