University of Dubai seminar calls for increased awareness on threat of identity theft and financial fraud

The Center of Executive Development (CED) at University of Dubai (UD) hosted a seminar at Dubai Chamber on the topic “Preventing ID Theft and Financial Fraud’, presented by Mr. Rene van Eert, Managing Director at IDcentre, a well-known Dutch institute specialized in helping organizations combat identity theft and ID document abuse. IDcentre, which recently signed a memorandum of understating with UD, has developed a special course in the UAE to train private and public employees how to prevent ID theft and financial fraud.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Harold Koster, Dean of College of Law at University of Dubai, said UD is committed to spread awareness on this major issue in the UAE, specifically among government entities and financial institutions. He added that UD College of Law will continue working with experts in the field to help potential victims of identity theft offset the adverse impacts of such activities.

Rene van Eert explained to more than 50 attendees the importance of understanding Identity as “the state of being the same one as described.” He added that in the modern society, identification is important not only for individuals but also for goods and processes.

Rene van Eert used a digital presentation to show true and false profiles of individual faces and personalities. He explained that obtaining fake photos, passports or IDs is the first task many criminals try to accomplish before carrying out their activities.

The Managing Director of IDcenter stated that training employees is critical to preventing the activities of criminals who use inexpensive technology to commit financial crimes. He also spoke about recent studies on criteria for profiling potential criminal inside organizations and companies.

Stating that age, gender, education level and employment tenure are essential part of these criteria, Van Eert cautioned against the activities of international criminal gangs who are constantly trying to break in the chain of security codes by presenting fake IDs at financial institutions or government facilities.

Dr. Vidya Nandagopal, Director of CED at University of Dubai says that “CED will soon offer this topic as a special course tailored to improve skills and knowledge among government and private employees in UAE.” CED would work closely with banks and financial institutions as well as law enforcement organizations like Dubai Police, DNRD, Dubai Customs and RTA to tailor special courses to suit their individual requirements. Bespoke courses have been a special area where CED excels.

The Center of Executive Development (CED) aims at upgrading the skills necessary for career development in UAE. It works closely with government entities and corporations to ensure quality training of human resources.