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How to protect copies of documents from identity theft in France
The government website adds a watermark to digital copies of passports, identity cards or driving licences
An online watermark tool has been unveiled for the public to use on digital copies of official documents as part of efforts to combat the growing problem of identity theft.
The site instructs you to upload your documents, select a watermark (filigrane) unique to your specific need, and then download the document as a PDF.
It can be used for a range of documents, such as an identity card, driving licence, proof of address attestations, tax records or even a passport.
You have 10 days in which to download the papers.
All original and watermarked documents are erased from the site after download.
The tool can be found at filigrane.beta.gouv.fr
Read more: This online tool helps you guard against identity theft in France
Document copies needed to prove identity
Watermarked documents can be used in a variety of scenarios, from proving your identity and paying a property deposit to renting a car.
Every year in France, more than 200,000 people become victims of online identity theft.
This can include unauthorised access to an email account, bank fraud, or the theft of sensitive, personal data.
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