Unfortunately, in our digital era, people often leave behind personal data and files, when it comes to replace their devices.
Resold or recycled, these devices even when deleted, contain data
and files including photos, emails/texts, the identities of previous owners, invoices,
contract and explicit videos.
Fraudsters can use this data to commit identity theft,
whether it’s opening accounts or loans in the owner’s name, ordering
merchandise or services using the owner’s stored login details, or scamming
contacts by posing as the owner. Even photos and videos can be sold to porn
sites or used for blackmail and extortion.
Eaton-Cardone from Global Risk Technologies, encourages you to use passcodes and security apps; Apps like
“Find My iPhone” can track lost or stolen devices; manually delete all data; Remove
Storage Card and SIM cards from your old device and if they will no longer be
used, destroyed them before discarding.