Ministry warns that one photo of ID can enable identity theft

The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has warned that a simple photo sent to a stranger online can expose its owner to identity theft.

According to the ministry, which posted the warning on its official Facebook page, people should take extra care when they share personal information or official documents online.

The ministry warned against sending photos of identity cards, passports and bank cards to pages or sellers without first checking their identity. The ministry said a person with bad intentions could use the details shown on these documents to pretend to be their owner.

The warning covers the national identity card, the Edahabia card of Algérie Poste and the passport. The ministry said these documents hold personal data that must stay protected.

The Edahabia card is used for payments and services offered by Algérie Poste. The ministry said its photo should not be sent to pages or people whose reliability has not been checked.

"One photo of your card is enough to steal your identity," the ministry said in its post.

The danger is not only the loss of a physical document. The ministry said a photo sent in seconds could be kept or passed on without the owner knowing.

The warning points out that some requests for documents are presented as needed to confirm an order, arrange a delivery or complete a transaction.

The ministry advised users to check that the recipient is an identifiable professional and that the information asked for is really needed before replying. It also advised people not to post images publicly where personal details could identify them.

The advice applies to every person who shares documents online, including requests from sellers on social networks. The ministry called on citizens to limit the use of official documents to necessary procedures, with services or people whose identity can be checked.

The ministry said official documents should not be treated as simple supporting papers to send whenever someone asks for them.