STOLEN LIVES: STORIES OF VICTIMS OF IDENTITY THEFT

Autor

  • Dianne Chlaire V. Duron Faculty of the College of Criminal Justice Education, University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines
  • Rowela Cartin-Pecson Professor, College of Criminal Justice Education, University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v12i1.2161

Słowa kluczowe:

criminal justice, digital distrust, cybercrime, Davao City

Abstrakt

This study examined the lived experiences of identity theft victims in Davao City as they navigated the consequences of the crime and coped to regain control over their digital and personal lives. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the researcher conducted in-depth interviews with seven victims to capture the essence of their experiences. Thematic analysis revealed several major impacts of identity theft, including compromised accounts, heightened digital distrust, emotional and psychological distress, occupational disruptions, financial loss, and reputational damage. Recovery was influenced by multiple factors, such as support from family and friends, access to technical and professional assistance, spiritual grounding, and the successful retrieval of compromised digital accounts. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening account security, exercising caution online, and maintaining consistent vigilance. The study underscores the need for more awareness campaigns, proactive security measures, and accessible government support systems to mitigate the harms of identity theft and to guide victims toward effective recovery and resilience.

Biogramy autorów

  • Dianne Chlaire V. Duron - Faculty of the College of Criminal Justice Education, University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines

    Dianne Chlaire V. Duron, RCrim, is an accomplished educator and researcher within the College of Criminal Justice Education at the University of Mindanao, where she serves as an Instructor and Assistant Laboratory Custodian. Since entering the academe in 2022, she has consistently expanded her expertise in criminology and forensic science through high-level training, workshops, and professional seminars. Currently a candidate for the Master of Science in Criminal Justice at the University of Mindanao Professional Schools, the researcher is dedicated to advancing the field through rigorous inquiry. Her scholarly work is strategically focused on law enforcement optimization, security protocols, and the evolution of the criminal justice system.

  • Rowela Cartin-Pecson - Professor, College of Criminal Justice Education, University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines

    Rowela Catin-Pecson (PhD) is a professor and quality assurance expert at the College of Criminal Justice Education, University of Mindanao, and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Criminology from the Professional Schools, University of Mindanao, Philippines. Currently, through her active membership in the Philippine Society of Criminologist and Criminal Justice (PSCCJP), she has been actively participating in seminar training, as the facilitator, in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) "Seminars and Training for Environmental Crime" in many parts of the country and as, resource speaker and facilitator, United States Department of Justice Office of Prosecutorial Development and Trainings (OPDAT) "Cybercrime Training of Trainers."

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Pobrania

Opublikowane

2026-03-06

Numer

Tom 12 Nr 1 (2026)

Dział

Articles