Lost ID Card = Risk of Identity Theft!

In an era where online transactions are increasingly popular, an ID card is essential for identity verification across various platforms—from opening a bank account and applying for loan apps to registering a mobile SIM. But did you know that if your ID card is lost, it could become a gateway for criminals to impersonate you and commit crimes using your personal information? This is especially true in cases of identity theft, which can cause far more legal and reputational damage than you might expect.

Real Case: Lost ID Card Turns into a Massive Debt

Many people may think losing a national ID card is a minor issue. However, there are numerous cases where victims discovered that their ID cards had been used without their knowledge to open mule bank accounts or apply for online loans. One such case involved a university student in Bangkok who lost her ID card on the way back to her dormitory. Less than a month later, she received a debt collection notice from an online lending company for over 50,000 baht.

An investigation revealed that someone had used a photo of her ID card to apply for loans from multiple apps. The fraudsters used deepfake technology to alter the face in the video verification process to resemble the victim. As a result, the loan applications were approved without detecting the impersonation. When the time came to collect the debt, it was the person whose name appeared on the ID card who was held responsible.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information—such as your full name, ID number, date of birth, or even your photo—without your permission. This information may be used for various purposes, including applying for loans, opening bank accounts, subscribing to services, or even committing crimes. The consequences of these actions ultimately fall on the real owner of the identity.

The Loopholes in a Cashless Society

As more services shift to online platforms, convenience increases—but so do the risks. Many systems rely solely on ID card images and selfie videos for identity verification, or sometimes just a copy of a document. This creates an opportunity for criminals to commit fraud using documents found on social media or from lost ID cards.

Laws Concerning Document Forgery

Using someone else’s ID card information without permission may be considered a criminal offense under Section 265 of the Thai Criminal Code, which states: “Whoever forges an official document issued by an authority, such as an ID card or driver’s license, shall be liable to imprisonment from six months to five years and a fine from 10,000 to 100,000 baht.”

If the forged document is used and causes damage, further penalties may apply under Section 268 concerning the use of forged documents. Additionally, if the information is used to deceive or defraud others, it may also fall under the offense of public fraud according to Section 343.

What to Do If Your ID Card Is Lost

1. File a police report immediately to have legal proof that the document was stolen or lost.
2. Apply for a new ID card at your district office, bringing the police report as supporting documentation.
   Notify banks and relevant companies if you are concerned that someone might misuse your ID to open accounts or commit fraud.
3. Check your credit report to ensure there are no unknown debts registered under your name.
4. Report the incident through online systems provided by authorities such as the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) or the Bank of Thailand, which have specific channels for such cases.

When a person becomes a victim of identity theft, they may face both civil lawsuits (such as being sued for unpaid debts) and criminal charges (such as being accused of operating mule accounts or money laundering). In such situations, the role of a lawyer becomes critically important — from investigating the facts and collecting evidence to proving that the victim was not involved in the wrongdoing. Lawyers can also negotiate with financial institutions or companies involved in the dispute.

In addition, a lawyer can assist in filing a countersuit if the identity of the fraudster can be identified — for example, when there is evidence of forged documents being used or money being transferred through accounts clearly linked to the perpetrator.

Prevention is better than cure

While we cannot control every risk, being cautious about not exposing your ID card on social media, avoiding sending copies of documents to strangers unnecessarily, and regularly checking your financial records can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft.

Remember, in the digital age, your personal data is extremely valuable and can be misused in an instant. Having a lawyer who understands the law and serves as your legal advisor is not a luxury — it’s a proactive way to protect yourself from risks that can arise at any time.

Written by : Kannikar Charoenweerawong (Internship Student in Chinese Language)