During the tax return campaign, exposure of personal data reaches its most critical point.
Thousands of people, including those who have never participated in online betting or gaming platforms, are receiving tax claims for “prizes” they never won.
The cause? Digital identity theft.
At OnbrandinG we explain how this phenomenon occurs, what risks it entails, and how to protect yourself effectively.
How does identity theft affecting tax returns work?
Cybercriminals operate following an increasingly sophisticated pattern:
- Personal data breach
Your data (ID number, email address, phone number, banking information) becomes exposed following security breaches at companies, online platforms, or digital services. - Data theft and sale
That information is stolen and sold on clandestine cybercrime networks. - Creation of fraudulent accounts
They use your identity to open profiles on online gaming platforms, sports betting sites, or digital services that allow registering economic transactions. - Fraudulent economic transactions
They operate under your name to generate fictitious “income” from prizes or bets.
Although you have never gambled or received a single cent, the Tax Agency records those transactions linked to your tax ID number. - Real tax impact
Since the declared data does not match your actual income, you receive payment demands for taxes or financial penalties.
Who is being affected?
- People who have never opened an online gaming account.
- Taxpayers who have no history with betting or digital platforms.
- Professionals and individuals who simply suffered exposure of their data.
This is not an exclusive problem for online platform users: anyone whose personal data has been leaked is at risk.
What to do if you detect that your identity has been stolen?
At OnbrandinG we recommend acting quickly and strategically:
- Gather all evidence:
- Emails, tax notifications, suspicious banking transactions.
- Report immediately: Contact the National Police, Civil Guard, Mossos d’Esquadra, or directly the duty court.
- Notify the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD): To initiate rights protection and data protection procedures.
- Contact professionals specialized in digital identity and tax defense: To manage the cancellation of fraudulent transactions and avoid unjust penalties.
How does OnbrandinG help you?
At OnbrandinG we offer a comprehensive solution:
- Technical analysis of identity theft incidents.
- Collection of digital evidence valid for legal proceedings.
- Specialized legal advice on data protection and tax defense.
- Removal of fraudulent profiles and active monitoring of your online identity.
- Proactive prevention to protect your identity against future risks.
Identity theft during the tax return campaign is not a theoretical risk: it is a reality already affecting citizens who never imagined becoming victims.
Protecting your digital identity is not optional: it is essential to preserve your financial, legal, and personal reputation.
At OnbrandinG we are with you to defend what matters most: your identity.
