What is identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when criminals obtain and misuse your personal information—such as your Social Security number, bank account details, login credentials, or credit card numbers—to commit fraud. It may begin with phishing emails, data breaches, malware, or phone scams.
Types of identity theft
- Financial identity theft: Opening credit lines or draining bank accounts.
- Tax identity theft: Filing fraudulent tax returns.
- Medical identity theft: Using your identity for healthcare services.
- Account takeover: Gaining control of your online accounts.
How criminals use stolen identities
Stolen identities are often used for credit fraud, loans, online purchases, or further scams. Some victims discover identity theft months after it begins.
Prevention basics
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Freeze your credit when not applying for loans
- Use unique passwords with a password manager
- Monitor financial statements regularly