In this guide, we break down what identity theft is, how it happens, and what you can do to protect yourself and recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Table of Contents<\/h4>\nTypes of Identity Theft
\n<\/a><\/div>\nHow Cybercriminals Steal Your Identity
\n<\/a>\nThe Effects of Identity Theft
\n<\/a>\nSigns That Your Identity May Have Been Stolen
\n<\/a>\nHow to Prevent Identity Theft
\n<\/a>\nWhat to Do If Your Identity Has Been Stolen
\n<\/a>\nFAQ<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIdentity Theft Meaning and Definition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
So, what is identity theft, exactly? It\u2019s the unauthorized use of someone else\u2019s personal information, typically to commit fraud.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIdentity theft happens when a criminal collects your details (think your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, or financial account information) to impersonate you<\/strong> and open accounts in your name or access other personalized services.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nCybercriminals can obtain this information from a single<\/strong> data breach<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> like a hacked retailer database. In other cases, your profile can be pieced together from smaller data-trawling activities:<\/strong> a phishing email here, a stolen piece of mail there.<\/p>\n\n\n\nImagine for a second that an online retailer you regularly buy from falls victim to hacking. Details like your name, address, and credit card information then end up in a database on the dark web<\/a>, where cybercriminals are free to buy them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce purchased, fraudsters use your details \u2013 and those belonging to thousands of other customers \u2013 to open lines of credit and rack up charges before vanishing and leaving you to deal with the fallout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although anyone can be the target of identity theft, certain groups are more at risk than others. Older adults are often targeted<\/strong> because they\u2019re less familiar with the mechanics of digital scams and are therefore more likely to hand information over to cybercriminals. Children are also attractive marks<\/strong> because their clean credit histories can go unmonitored for years.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nIdentity Fraud vs. Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The terms identity theft and identity fraud are often used interchangeably, although they can describe different stages of the same crime.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where identity theft is the act of stealing someone\u2019s personal information, identity fraud is the actual use of that stolen information to commit a crime,<\/strong> like opening a fraudulent account or making unauthorized purchases.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nA good rule of thumb to follow if you\u2019re confused about identity fraud and identity theft is that the theft is the entry point, while the fraud is everything that follows.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTypes of Identity Theft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Criminals can target different pieces of your identity,<\/strong> from your finances to your medical records to your biometric data, and each of these types of identity theft comes with its own warning signs and consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Types-of-Identity-Theft-969x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFinancial Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Financial identity theft happens when someone steals information like your credit card number, bank account details, or Social Security number.<\/strong> Once they have hold of this data, the cybercriminal can open credit cards in your name, take out loans, or simply use your existing card details for purchases you never made.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAccording to its Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024, the FTC received 740,040 reports of financial identity theft as a result of cybercriminals stealing credit card, loan or lease, bank account, and other financial information from victims<\/strong>1<\/sup><\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis makes financial identity theft the most common form of identity theft by far \u2013 which is probably the reason why most people likely think of this form of the crime when they hear the term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tax Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Very few upstanding citizens want to attract the attention of their country\u2019s revenue service, which is why tax identity theft is one of the more scary types of identity theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It happens when a criminal steals your Social Security number. They\u2019ll then use that information to file fraudulent tax returns in your name,<\/strong> typically early in tax season, aiming to claim your refund before you do.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll usually discover that this has happened when you try to file your own return and the IRS rejects it because one has already been submitted under your Social Security number, or when you receive an unexpected notice about income you never reported.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employment Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Closely linked to tax identity theft, employment identity theft takes place when someone steals your Social Security number to get a job.<\/strong> This could be because they don\u2019t have the right to work, want to avoid a background check flagging their real identity, or want to avoid paying tax.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce they start earning an income, it gets reported to the IRS under your name. This can leave you facing an unexpected tax bill for wages you never received,<\/strong> or trigger questions from the Social Security Administration about a job you never held.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nEmployment identity theft frequently gets discovered when W-2 forms or Social Security earnings statements don\u2019t match your actual employment history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Social Security Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Another form of identity theft that centers around your Social Security number is Social Security identity theft.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nHere, a fraudster will obtain and misuse your Social Security number itself. A stolen SSN can be used to claim social benefits in your name, open accounts, obtain employment, or otherwise impersonate you.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAs your Social Security number underpins so much of your financial and legal identity, this type of theft can be a gateway to several others,<\/strong> including tax and employment identity theft.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nChildren are particularly vulnerable<\/strong> because a child\u2019s Social Security number will usually have no credit history attached to it. This means that fraudulent activity can go unnoticed for years until the child applies for their first credit card or student loan as an adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMedical Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medical identity theft occurs when someone steals your health-related data, often your health insurance details,<\/strong> to receive medical care, obtain prescription drugs, or file fraudulent insurance claims under your name.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nBeyond the financial cost, this type of theft carries a unique risk: The thief\u2019s medical information can become mixed with yours in your health records, potentially leading to incorrect diagnoses, treatments, or medication decisions down the line.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiometric Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Biometric identity theft is one of the more difficult forms of identity theft to pull off because it requires criminals to mimic your unique physical identifiers (e.g. fingerprints, facial patterns, voiceprints, or iris patterns).\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFraudsters target these features because they\u2019re increasingly used for authentication on smartphones, banking apps, and workplace security systems. They obtain this data by accessing the databases of companies that store it or by using AI tools to create<\/strong> deepfakes<\/strong><\/a> from photos or voice recordings that you\u2019ve shared publicly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis type of identity theft is a growing concern as biometric login options become more common, because, unlike a password, you can\u2019t simply change your fingerprint or face if biometric data is compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Criminal Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Criminal identity theft involves someone appropriating your name and other personal details to give to law enforcement during an arrest or citation.<\/strong> The effect is that the record of their criminal activity is passed on to you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nVictims often discover this type of identity theft in the worst possible way \u2013 like during a background check for a new job or apartment, or when they\u2019re pulled over and told there\u2019s a warrant out for their arrest.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clearing your name typically requires working with the courts and law enforcement agencies involved to prove the criminal record isn\u2019t yours, which can be a lengthy and stressful process.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Cybercriminals Steal Your Identity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cybercriminals have no shortage of ways to get their hands on your personal information and many of these techniques they use don\u2019t require much technical skill at all. Here are some of the most common tactics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Phishing, smishing, and vishing<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Fraudulent emails, texts, or calls designed to trick you into handing over personal information or login credentials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Data breaches:<\/strong> Large-scale hacks that expose customer records, including names, passwords, and financial details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wi-Fi sniffing:<\/strong> Intercepting data sent over unsecured public Wi-Fi<\/a> to capture login credentials or personal information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Credential stuffing<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Using stolen username\/password combinations from one breach to try logging into other accounts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shoulder surfing:<\/strong> Physically watching you enter a PIN, password, or other sensitive information at an ATM or on your laptop in public.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Malware and<\/strong> spyware<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Malicious software that secretly monitors your activity or extracts data from your device.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Device theft:<\/strong> Stealing a phone, laptop, or tablet that holds saved passwords or account access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mail theft:<\/strong> Stealing physical mail to access bank statements, credit card offers, or other personal documents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carding<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Physically stealing a credit or debit card, or using a skimming device on an ATM or card reader to copy card data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The Effects of Identity Theft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Identity theft will affect you in different ways, depending on what type of information was stolen and how it\u2019s later leveraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Credit score damage is one of the most common consequences.<\/strong> Fraudulent accounts, missed payments on debts you didn\u2019t incur, and high credit utilization from unauthorized charges can all drag your score down.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis can cause long-term financial hardship, making it harder to get approved for loans, credit cards, or even rental housing in future<\/strong> and forcing you to pay the costs involved with remedying the fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIdentity theft can also interfere with your health insurance coverage or social benefits,<\/strong> particularly if a thief has used a victim\u2019s information to exhaust benefit limits or redirect payments elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere are also other issues like potentially high volumes of spam calls and emails, and just the generally unsettling sense that your information is no longer fully under your control.<\/strong> In rare but serious cases, identity theft can even lead to criminal charges<\/strong> if a thief has committed a crime and provided your name and Social Security number when they were arrested.<\/p>\n\n\n\nProbably the most persistent effect is the emotional fallout. Identity theft is invasive and the process of untangling fraudulent accounts, disputing charges, and proving your own identity to skeptical institutions can be exhausting and stressful<\/strong> \u2013 sometimes for months or years after the initial theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSigns That Your Identity May Have Been Stolen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-53-813x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMost identity thieves are motivated by monetary gains, which is why the warning signs that you\u2019ve fallen victim to this cybercrime typically show up in your financial life first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep close tabs on your spending and your financial statements. Unexplained charges and withdrawals from your bank account<\/strong> are a prime signal that someone might be fiddling with your financials. Even small amounts matter here, because thieves sometimes test stolen card details with tiny purchases before making larger ones.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nInaccurate information on your credit report,<\/strong> like credit card or bank account numbers you don\u2019t recognize as well as hard inquiries you didn\u2019t authorize, and notices about lines of credit you haven\u2019t applied for<\/strong> are other financial red flags worth looking out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBeyond financial paperwork, watch for unusual communications:<\/strong> Letters from the IRS stating that multiple tax returns have been filed using your Social Security number, calls from debt collection agencies about debts you don\u2019t recognize, bills that stop arriving unexpectedly or suddenly start, and information about accounts or services you never signed up for.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nAny one of these signs on its own might be a mistake or a coincidence, but it\u2019s always worth investigating further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Prevent Identity Theft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Identity theft is one of the most common types of crime today, but falling victim to it isn\u2019t an inevitability. Knowing how to protect yourself comes down to building a handful of consistent habits that help you to secure your digital life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Enable<\/strong> multi-factor authentication<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Add a second verification step to your important accounts so a stolen password alone isn\u2019t enough to get a thief in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use<\/strong> strong, unique passwords<\/strong><\/a> and a password manager:<\/strong> Avoid reusing passwords across accounts, using a password manager to generate and store complex ones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Monitor your credit reports:<\/strong> Check your credit reports regularly for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries, and take advantage of free reports issued by the major credit bureaus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shred sensitive documents before disposal:<\/strong> Destroy bank statements, credit card offers, and other paperwork that bear your personal details before tossing them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid clicking links in unsolicited communications:<\/strong> Treat unexpected emails, texts, or calls asking for personal information with suspicion, even if they appear to come from a trusted source.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What to Do If Your Identity Has Been Stolen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Discovering that you\u2019ve been a victim of identity theft is stressful, but it doesn\u2019t have to be disastrous. Acting quickly and methodically can limit the damage and set you on the path to recovery.<\/strong> Here\u2019s what to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Contact Your Financial Providers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Figure out which accounts have been affected and contact the fraud department at the relevant financial institution<\/strong> right away. Ask them to close or freeze the accounts so no further unauthorized charges can go through, and start the process of disputing any fraudulent transactions or accounts opened in your name.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is the most time-sensitive step, since many financial providers have limited windows for disputing fraudulent activity.<\/strong> The sooner you report it, the stronger your case for having charges reversed will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Secure Your Accounts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve alerted your financial providers, change the passwords, PINs, and logins for all of your accounts \u2013 especially if you\u2019ve reused these credentials elsewhere.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nEnable multi-factor authentication wherever it\u2019s available and check for any account recovery details, like linked email addresses or phone numbers, that a thief might have changed.<\/strong> This helps to close off the access points a thief could use to keep exploiting your identity while you work through the rest of the recovery process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Submit a Fraud Alert and Freeze Your Credit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Contact at least one of the three major credit bureaus \u2013<\/strong> Equifax<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> Experian<\/strong><\/a>, or<\/strong> TransUnion<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 to place a fraud alert on your credit file.<\/strong> You don\u2019t need to report the issue to all three as whichever one you contact is required to notify the other two.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce a fraud alert is in place, businesses that provide credit to their customers must verify your identity before they\u2019re able to extend new credit in your name. If you\u2019re after stronger protection, consider a credit freeze,<\/strong> which blocks potential new lenders from accessing your credit report altogether, making it much harder for a thief to open new accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNote that placing a credit freeze with one credit reporting company doesn\u2019t notify the other two. You need to freeze all three credit reports separately2<\/sup>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Report the Theft to the Federal Trade Commission\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Filing a report at IdentityTheft.gov gets you an official Identity Theft Report and a personalized recovery plan, which walks you through the specific steps for your situation.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBusinesses and credit bureaus recognize this report as documentation of the fraud, which makes disputing fraudulent accounts and extending your fraud alert much easier. It\u2019s a free service and reporting is relatively quick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Report Identity Theft to the FTC<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
i. Go to IdentityTheft.gov<\/a> and click on Report Identity Theft<\/em>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"IdentityTheft.gov](\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-52-1024x554-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nii. Confirm whether your information was used in a fraudulent activity or whether your information was lost, stolen, or part of a data breach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-51-1024x554.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\niii. Answer the questions related to the types of identity theft you selected in Step 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Answer](\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-52-1024x554.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\niv. Fill out details about the theft, your personal information, the suspect\u2019s information, and other particulars when prompted. The more specific you are at this stage, the more useful your report and recovery plan will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-51-1024x554-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nv. Submit your answers to receive your Identity Theft Report and a step-by-step recovery plan tailored to your situation. Download and save a copy of both to share with your bank, credit bureaus, the police, and other institutions as you work through disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. File a Police Report<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Consider filing a police report. Take your Identity Theft Report, a government-issued photo ID, and any evidence of the fraud to your local police department, and ask for a copy of the report once it\u2019s filed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While not every case requires this step, having a police report on hand strengthens your position if you need to dispute debts or clear your name from a criminal record.<\/strong> Some businesses will also insist on having a police report on hand before they remove fraudulent charges from your account. It\u2019s also essential if you\u2019re dealing with criminal identity theft.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nFAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\nHow do I check if someone is using my identity?<\/h3>
Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar charges, and check your credit reports for accounts you don\u2019t recognize. You can also use PIA\u2019s Identity Guard<\/a> to alert you if your email address turns up in a known data breach, so you get an early warning before the damage spreads further.
<\/p> <\/div> What are the most common types of identity theft?<\/h3>
Financial identity theft, tax, medical, and Social Security identity theft are the most common types of identity theft<\/a>. These are often interlinked, as cybercriminals who get their hands on your Social Security number can leverage it in a variety of fraudulent ways.
<\/p> <\/div> What happens when someone commits identity theft?<\/h3>
When someone commits identity theft, they use your stolen personal information to open accounts, make purchases, file tax returns, or access services under your name. Victims feel the effects<\/a> long after the crime is committed as they dispute fraudulent charges, repair credit damage, and prove their identity to banks, credit bureaus, and government agencies.
<\/p> <\/div> What are the warning signs of identity theft?<\/h3>
Common warning signs of identity theft<\/a> include unexplained charges on your accounts, unfamiliar entries on your credit report, credit cards you never applied for, and IRS notices about tax returns you didn\u2019t file. Unexpected debt collection calls or mail that suddenly stops arriving are also worth investigating.
<\/p> <\/div> How do I report identity theft?<\/h3>
\n<\/a><\/div>\nHow Cybercriminals Steal Your Identity
\n<\/a>\nThe Effects of Identity Theft
\n<\/a>\nSigns That Your Identity May Have Been Stolen
\n<\/a>\nHow to Prevent Identity Theft
\n<\/a>\nWhat to Do If Your Identity Has Been Stolen
\n<\/a>\nFAQ<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Identity Theft Meaning and Definition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
So, what is identity theft, exactly? It\u2019s the unauthorized use of someone else\u2019s personal information, typically to commit fraud.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Identity theft happens when a criminal collects your details (think your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, or financial account information) to impersonate you<\/strong> and open accounts in your name or access other personalized services.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cybercriminals can obtain this information from a single<\/strong> data breach<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> like a hacked retailer database. In other cases, your profile can be pieced together from smaller data-trawling activities:<\/strong> a phishing email here, a stolen piece of mail there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagine for a second that an online retailer you regularly buy from falls victim to hacking. Details like your name, address, and credit card information then end up in a database on the dark web<\/a>, where cybercriminals are free to buy them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once purchased, fraudsters use your details \u2013 and those belonging to thousands of other customers \u2013 to open lines of credit and rack up charges before vanishing and leaving you to deal with the fallout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although anyone can be the target of identity theft, certain groups are more at risk than others. Older adults are often targeted<\/strong> because they\u2019re less familiar with the mechanics of digital scams and are therefore more likely to hand information over to cybercriminals. Children are also attractive marks<\/strong> because their clean credit histories can go unmonitored for years.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The terms identity theft and identity fraud are often used interchangeably, although they can describe different stages of the same crime.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where identity theft is the act of stealing someone\u2019s personal information, identity fraud is the actual use of that stolen information to commit a crime,<\/strong> like opening a fraudulent account or making unauthorized purchases.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n A good rule of thumb to follow if you\u2019re confused about identity fraud and identity theft is that the theft is the entry point, while the fraud is everything that follows.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Criminals can target different pieces of your identity,<\/strong> from your finances to your medical records to your biometric data, and each of these types of identity theft comes with its own warning signs and consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Financial identity theft happens when someone steals information like your credit card number, bank account details, or Social Security number.<\/strong> Once they have hold of this data, the cybercriminal can open credit cards in your name, take out loans, or simply use your existing card details for purchases you never made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to its Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024, the FTC received 740,040 reports of financial identity theft as a result of cybercriminals stealing credit card, loan or lease, bank account, and other financial information from victims<\/strong>1<\/sup><\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This makes financial identity theft the most common form of identity theft by far \u2013 which is probably the reason why most people likely think of this form of the crime when they hear the term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Very few upstanding citizens want to attract the attention of their country\u2019s revenue service, which is why tax identity theft is one of the more scary types of identity theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It happens when a criminal steals your Social Security number. They\u2019ll then use that information to file fraudulent tax returns in your name,<\/strong> typically early in tax season, aiming to claim your refund before you do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll usually discover that this has happened when you try to file your own return and the IRS rejects it because one has already been submitted under your Social Security number, or when you receive an unexpected notice about income you never reported.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Closely linked to tax identity theft, employment identity theft takes place when someone steals your Social Security number to get a job.<\/strong> This could be because they don\u2019t have the right to work, want to avoid a background check flagging their real identity, or want to avoid paying tax.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once they start earning an income, it gets reported to the IRS under your name. This can leave you facing an unexpected tax bill for wages you never received,<\/strong> or trigger questions from the Social Security Administration about a job you never held.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Employment identity theft frequently gets discovered when W-2 forms or Social Security earnings statements don\u2019t match your actual employment history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another form of identity theft that centers around your Social Security number is Social Security identity theft.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, a fraudster will obtain and misuse your Social Security number itself. A stolen SSN can be used to claim social benefits in your name, open accounts, obtain employment, or otherwise impersonate you.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As your Social Security number underpins so much of your financial and legal identity, this type of theft can be a gateway to several others,<\/strong> including tax and employment identity theft.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Children are particularly vulnerable<\/strong> because a child\u2019s Social Security number will usually have no credit history attached to it. This means that fraudulent activity can go unnoticed for years until the child applies for their first credit card or student loan as an adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical identity theft occurs when someone steals your health-related data, often your health insurance details,<\/strong> to receive medical care, obtain prescription drugs, or file fraudulent insurance claims under your name.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond the financial cost, this type of theft carries a unique risk: The thief\u2019s medical information can become mixed with yours in your health records, potentially leading to incorrect diagnoses, treatments, or medication decisions down the line.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Biometric identity theft is one of the more difficult forms of identity theft to pull off because it requires criminals to mimic your unique physical identifiers (e.g. fingerprints, facial patterns, voiceprints, or iris patterns).\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fraudsters target these features because they\u2019re increasingly used for authentication on smartphones, banking apps, and workplace security systems. They obtain this data by accessing the databases of companies that store it or by using AI tools to create<\/strong> deepfakes<\/strong><\/a> from photos or voice recordings that you\u2019ve shared publicly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This type of identity theft is a growing concern as biometric login options become more common, because, unlike a password, you can\u2019t simply change your fingerprint or face if biometric data is compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Criminal identity theft involves someone appropriating your name and other personal details to give to law enforcement during an arrest or citation.<\/strong> The effect is that the record of their criminal activity is passed on to you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Victims often discover this type of identity theft in the worst possible way \u2013 like during a background check for a new job or apartment, or when they\u2019re pulled over and told there\u2019s a warrant out for their arrest.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clearing your name typically requires working with the courts and law enforcement agencies involved to prove the criminal record isn\u2019t yours, which can be a lengthy and stressful process.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cybercriminals have no shortage of ways to get their hands on your personal information and many of these techniques they use don\u2019t require much technical skill at all. Here are some of the most common tactics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Identity theft will affect you in different ways, depending on what type of information was stolen and how it\u2019s later leveraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Credit score damage is one of the most common consequences.<\/strong> Fraudulent accounts, missed payments on debts you didn\u2019t incur, and high credit utilization from unauthorized charges can all drag your score down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can cause long-term financial hardship, making it harder to get approved for loans, credit cards, or even rental housing in future<\/strong> and forcing you to pay the costs involved with remedying the fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Identity theft can also interfere with your health insurance coverage or social benefits,<\/strong> particularly if a thief has used a victim\u2019s information to exhaust benefit limits or redirect payments elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also other issues like potentially high volumes of spam calls and emails, and just the generally unsettling sense that your information is no longer fully under your control.<\/strong> In rare but serious cases, identity theft can even lead to criminal charges<\/strong> if a thief has committed a crime and provided your name and Social Security number when they were arrested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Probably the most persistent effect is the emotional fallout. Identity theft is invasive and the process of untangling fraudulent accounts, disputing charges, and proving your own identity to skeptical institutions can be exhausting and stressful<\/strong> \u2013 sometimes for months or years after the initial theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most identity thieves are motivated by monetary gains, which is why the warning signs that you\u2019ve fallen victim to this cybercrime typically show up in your financial life first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep close tabs on your spending and your financial statements. Unexplained charges and withdrawals from your bank account<\/strong> are a prime signal that someone might be fiddling with your financials. Even small amounts matter here, because thieves sometimes test stolen card details with tiny purchases before making larger ones.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inaccurate information on your credit report,<\/strong> like credit card or bank account numbers you don\u2019t recognize as well as hard inquiries you didn\u2019t authorize, and notices about lines of credit you haven\u2019t applied for<\/strong> are other financial red flags worth looking out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond financial paperwork, watch for unusual communications:<\/strong> Letters from the IRS stating that multiple tax returns have been filed using your Social Security number, calls from debt collection agencies about debts you don\u2019t recognize, bills that stop arriving unexpectedly or suddenly start, and information about accounts or services you never signed up for.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any one of these signs on its own might be a mistake or a coincidence, but it\u2019s always worth investigating further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Identity theft is one of the most common types of crime today, but falling victim to it isn\u2019t an inevitability. Knowing how to protect yourself comes down to building a handful of consistent habits that help you to secure your digital life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Discovering that you\u2019ve been a victim of identity theft is stressful, but it doesn\u2019t have to be disastrous. Acting quickly and methodically can limit the damage and set you on the path to recovery.<\/strong> Here\u2019s what to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Figure out which accounts have been affected and contact the fraud department at the relevant financial institution<\/strong> right away. Ask them to close or freeze the accounts so no further unauthorized charges can go through, and start the process of disputing any fraudulent transactions or accounts opened in your name.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the most time-sensitive step, since many financial providers have limited windows for disputing fraudulent activity.<\/strong> The sooner you report it, the stronger your case for having charges reversed will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve alerted your financial providers, change the passwords, PINs, and logins for all of your accounts \u2013 especially if you\u2019ve reused these credentials elsewhere.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Enable multi-factor authentication wherever it\u2019s available and check for any account recovery details, like linked email addresses or phone numbers, that a thief might have changed.<\/strong> This helps to close off the access points a thief could use to keep exploiting your identity while you work through the rest of the recovery process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact at least one of the three major credit bureaus \u2013<\/strong> Equifax<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> Experian<\/strong><\/a>, or<\/strong> TransUnion<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 to place a fraud alert on your credit file.<\/strong> You don\u2019t need to report the issue to all three as whichever one you contact is required to notify the other two.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once a fraud alert is in place, businesses that provide credit to their customers must verify your identity before they\u2019re able to extend new credit in your name. If you\u2019re after stronger protection, consider a credit freeze,<\/strong> which blocks potential new lenders from accessing your credit report altogether, making it much harder for a thief to open new accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that placing a credit freeze with one credit reporting company doesn\u2019t notify the other two. You need to freeze all three credit reports separately2<\/sup>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Filing a report at IdentityTheft.gov gets you an official Identity Theft Report and a personalized recovery plan, which walks you through the specific steps for your situation.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Businesses and credit bureaus recognize this report as documentation of the fraud, which makes disputing fraudulent accounts and extending your fraud alert much easier. It\u2019s a free service and reporting is relatively quick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n i. Go to IdentityTheft.gov<\/a> and click on Report Identity Theft<\/em>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n ii. Confirm whether your information was used in a fraudulent activity or whether your information was lost, stolen, or part of a data breach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n iii. Answer the questions related to the types of identity theft you selected in Step 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n iv. Fill out details about the theft, your personal information, the suspect\u2019s information, and other particulars when prompted. The more specific you are at this stage, the more useful your report and recovery plan will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n v. Submit your answers to receive your Identity Theft Report and a step-by-step recovery plan tailored to your situation. Download and save a copy of both to share with your bank, credit bureaus, the police, and other institutions as you work through disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider filing a police report. Take your Identity Theft Report, a government-issued photo ID, and any evidence of the fraud to your local police department, and ask for a copy of the report once it\u2019s filed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While not every case requires this step, having a police report on hand strengthens your position if you need to dispute debts or clear your name from a criminal record.<\/strong> Some businesses will also insist on having a police report on hand before they remove fraudulent charges from your account. It\u2019s also essential if you\u2019re dealing with criminal identity theft.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar charges, and check your credit reports for accounts you don\u2019t recognize. You can also use PIA\u2019s Identity Guard<\/a> to alert you if your email address turns up in a known data breach, so you get an early warning before the damage spreads further. Financial identity theft, tax, medical, and Social Security identity theft are the most common types of identity theft<\/a>. These are often interlinked, as cybercriminals who get their hands on your Social Security number can leverage it in a variety of fraudulent ways. When someone commits identity theft, they use your stolen personal information to open accounts, make purchases, file tax returns, or access services under your name. Victims feel the effects<\/a> long after the crime is committed as they dispute fraudulent charges, repair credit damage, and prove their identity to banks, credit bureaus, and government agencies. Common warning signs of identity theft<\/a> include unexplained charges on your accounts, unfamiliar entries on your credit report, credit cards you never applied for, and IRS notices about tax returns you didn\u2019t file. Unexpected debt collection calls or mail that suddenly stops arriving are also worth investigating.Identity Fraud vs. Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Types of Identity Theft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFinancial Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tax Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Employment Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Social Security Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medical Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Biometric Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Criminal Identity Theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Cybercriminals Steal Your Identity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
The Effects of Identity Theft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Signs That Your Identity May Have Been Stolen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to Prevent Identity Theft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What to Do If Your Identity Has Been Stolen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Contact Your Financial Providers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Secure Your Accounts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Submit a Fraud Alert and Freeze Your Credit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Report the Theft to the Federal Trade Commission\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Report Identity Theft to the FTC<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n5. File a Police Report<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do I check if someone is using my identity?<\/h3>
<\/p> <\/div> What are the most common types of identity theft?<\/h3>
<\/p> <\/div> What happens when someone commits identity theft?<\/h3>
<\/p> <\/div> What are the warning signs of identity theft?<\/h3>
<\/p> <\/div> How do I report identity theft?<\/h3>