DigiD codes sent by courier in high crime areas

People in high-risk areas will receive their DigiD activation code by courier from now on, to prevent identity fraud, announced Minister Ronald Plasterk. One such high-risk area is Amsterdam-Zuidoost, where some 150 people fell victim to DigiD fraud late last year.

Reports indicate that criminals intercept activation codes and retrieve personal information, such as birthday and social security numbers from people's mail. The DigiD is used to sign on to government websites to file taxes or apply for social security or other government services. The activation code is normally sent by postal services, contrary to the username and password. The Minister had already announced the codes would no longer be sent by mail in January, but he had intended for people to come pick them up personally at the town hall.