Ask HN: A scammer just tricked me out of my Selfie ID
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Unfortunately, I would say it is possible that someone in possession of the documents you described would be able to create accounts under your name on some platforms. However, there is a chance that the KYC of those platforms would detect fraud given they likely don't have your correct SSN, their IP might not match your location, etc.
However, I would find it very unlikely that any crime they committed (given you reported the issue to the police) would come back to you.
However, I would find it very unlikely that any crime they committed (given you reported the issue to the police) would come back to you.
I got caught off-guard as I sold my last car also to someone remotely sight unseen. So I sent him what he asked. The next morning I woke up and had a sudden realization that I probably got scammed. I went back to the email and realized the phone number and personal email he provided were both fake. He used a generic common Chinese name of "Charles Lau".
I googled selfie ID and it looks like a lot of crypto site (including Coinbase) is using selfie + id + hand written text for biometric verification. Some banks since covid also implemented selfie ID verification.
I filed a local police report and contacted my driver licensing and insurance, which they said theres not much they can do.
My question to HN is what are some of the risks to me as this scammer now has my Selfie + ID + vehicle registration + address. Knowing that crypto sites uses this for verification, can the scammer create a bunch of crypto exchange accounts under my name and start laundering dirty crypto money? or take out a crypto/regular loan under my name? What can I do to protect my self going forward?