According to a report by the OECD, government officers are among the occupations that are particularly vulnerable to the use of false identities and identity theft. This is because government officers have access to sensitive and confidential information, such as personal data, tax records, social security benefits, passports, visas, and licenses. Identity fraudsters may target government officers to obtain or alter such information, or to impersonate them to access restricted areas or systems. Identity fraud involving government officers may facilitate tax evasion, money laundering, corruption, terrorism, and other crimes1.
Some examples of identity fraud schemes involving government officers are:
Rogue agents in the immigration services sector who issue fake or fraudulent documents, such as passports, visas, orresidence permits, to facilitate the entry or stay of illegal immigrants, criminals, or terrorists12.
Corrupt tax officials who use false identities to create fictitious taxpayers or employers, or to modify tax records, to evade taxes or to claim fraudulent refunds or credits13.
Impostors who pose as government officers, such as police, customs, or revenue agents, to extort money or information from unsuspecting victims, or to access secure facilities or databases1 .
REPORT ON IDENTITY FRAUD: TAX EVASION AND MONEY LAUNDERING VULNERABILITIES
Identity Fraud and Immigration Services
Identity Theft and Tax Fraud
[Identity Theft and Government Impersonation Scams]
