Identity under threat in Barbados

Electoral authorities in Bridgetown have issued a stern warning against a new type of identity threat. That’s the kind when you give a third party your personal information to register for the new Trident ID Card.

According to a report from Barbados Today, the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) which is responsible for in-person and digital registration and issuing the cards has put citizens on alert after an entity known as Connection Logic advertised its services on social media, telling Barbadians they could assist them in the registration process for a fee.

Angela Taylor, Chief Electoral Officer said people giving their personal information to other entities in circumstances such as this was a dangerous thing.

“I would just warn persons that they are exposing themselves to identity theft. People better be aware of what they are exposing themselves to when you give somebody, a third party like that, your information,” Taylor said.

Furthermore, the EBC said it was aware of people offering a fee-based service to assist individuals in registering for their free Trident ID card.

“We wish to advise the public that we regard this as risky and potentially dangerous and that they should not engage any such services to register for their Trident ID cards from unofficial persons or entities. The registration for the new ID card requires the sharing of personally identifiable information which, if shared with the wrong person, could lead to identity theft. Registration for the Trident ID card should only be done either face-to-face at a registration center or using the online portal directly by the person who is registering.”

However, Connection Logic has defended its service, saying that the private business was not affiliated with the EBC but was offering a service to assist Barbadians in the Trident registration process.