Specific Issues for Discussion:
Nowadays, the number and complexity of online scams has been increasing with the convenience of data access by Internet. Instead of being anonymous in committing crime, stealing identity from someone has become a very common criminal pattern. Almost all jurisdictions in Asia Pacific have started to implement policies to reinforce identity verification in the retail industry such as mandatory sim card purchase registration. The intention was to better regulate SIM card services and combat offenses, as criminals have made use of anonymous pay-as-you-go cards to evade detection. However, the criminals have found a way out of this policy by stealing identity – which implies much more difficult tracking on criminal activity because criminals can still register a sim card with another person’s information. When it comes to commercial trading, the retailer is less capable of verifying the person’s information without advanced technology or legal power. We would formulate this common online safety issue into problem statements that enable the audience to discuss and brainstorm a way out with design thinking methodology
The following topics will be covered during this workshop:
- Overview of online scams and identity theft in the Asia-Pacific region
- Common tactics and techniques used by scammers
- Regional challenges and vulnerabilities specific to the Asia-Pacific context
- Warning signs and red flags of online scams and identity theft
- Practical strategies for preventing online scams and identity theft
- Response mechanisms and actions to take if targeted by a scam
- Role of cybersecurity awareness and education in enhancing digital resilience
- Collaborative approaches for community protection and support
- Resources and tools available for further learning and assistance
