Peru logs more than 8,000 identity theft complaints

Between January and August 2026, Peru recorded more than 8,000 complaints filed under Article 9 of Law No. 30096, which covers digital identity theft, according to an open data analysis from the Public Prosecutor’s Office cited by El Peruano. El Nacional also published the same figure and linked it to synthetic identities and forged documents, but it did not provide a primary source from the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

What do the reported figures show?

The figures point to a steady rise in complaints related to digital identity theft in Peru during 2026. The data cited by El Peruano comes from an open data analysis by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and puts the total at more than 8,000 complaints between January and August.

El Nacional attributed the same volume of cases to the Public Prosecutor’s Office and added that the risk would be tied to synthetic identities and forged documents. However, that report did not include a primary source from the agency, so the attribution is less solid than the one published by El Peruano.

What did Reniec say about DNI use?

Reniec warned that photographing a DNI can expose people to misuse of their personal data and make it possible to file complaints before the National Authority for Personal Data Protection when companies or institutions misuse that information. The official warning listed screenshots, emails, or message logs as possible evidence.

Infobae Perú said Reniec’s alert works as an official recommendation for prevention and reporting, but it does not confirm attacks on banks or fintechs. Exitosa, in its coverage of the warning, expanded the possible damage to unauthorized applications for bank loans, phone lines, and commercial transactions, although it also offered no evidence of concrete incidents against those entities.

What is the scope of the official warning?

Reniec’s warning does not point to a specific attack. It is intended to reduce the risk of identity document exposure and to guide reporting when personal data is misused. The path cited by the agency is the National Authority for Personal Data Protection, with supporting documentation such as screenshots, emails, or messages.

At the same time, the public discussion has rested on the 2026 increase in reported complaints and on the risk that identity theft could lead to document fraud or unauthorized transactions. Even so, based on the available material, there is no primary confirmation of specific attacks on banks or fintechs.