Identity Theft & Data Scams

Identity theft and data scams aim to capture the personal information and credentials needed to impersonate you. They follow on from phishing, data breaches, SIM swaps, and account takeovers, and can be used to open accounts or credit in your name, drain existing accounts, or commit fraud that lands at your door. Spotting the early signs and locking down your accounts quickly limits the damage.

Common red flags

  • Unexpected verification codes, password resets, or account changes
  • Bills, accounts, or credit applications you did not make
  • Losing mobile signal suddenly, a possible SIM swap
  • Mail or statements stopping or going missing
  • Notices that your data appeared in a breach

Identity Theft scam guides

High risk Identity Theft

Account Takeover Scam

In this scam, a fraudster gains access to your email, bank, or shopping accounts, often after phishing or a data breach, then changes details, makes purchases, or uses the account to attack others.
High risk Identity Theft

Synthetic Identity Scam

In this scam, criminals combine real stolen details, such as your Social Security or ID number, with fake information to create a synthetic identity used to open accounts and credit that can affect you.
Medium risk Identity Theft

Mail Theft & Redirection Scam

In this scam, criminals steal your post or fraudulently redirect your mail to capture statements, cards, and documents used for identity theft and account takeover.
High risk Identity Theft

New Account Fraud Scam

In this scam, criminals use your stolen details to open new bank, credit, phone, or utility accounts in your name, running up debts and bills that appear under your identity.
High risk Identity Theft

Tax Identity Theft Scam

In this scam, criminals use your stolen identity to file a fraudulent tax return and claim your refund, or to misuse your tax records, leaving you to untangle the fraud with the tax authority.
Medium risk Identity Theft

Data Broker Removal Scam

In this scam, fake or dishonest services promise to remove your personal data from data brokers and people-search sites, charging fees or harvesting even more personal information while doing little or nothing.
High risk Identity Theft

Fake Breach Notification Scam

In this scam, fake data breach or 'your account was leaked' alerts urge you to click a link to secure your account or pay for protection, stealing your login, payment, and personal details instead.
Medium risk Identity Theft

Fake Credit Freeze Scam

In this scam, fraudsters pose as credit bureaus or offer paid 'credit freeze' or lock services, charging fees and harvesting identity details for a process you can do yourself for free with the credit agencies.
High risk Identity Theft

Social Security Suspension Scam

In this scam, callers or recordings claim your Social Security or national insurance number is suspended over alleged crimes, demanding you confirm it, pay, or move money to 'protect' yourself, to steal identity and funds.
High risk Identity Theft

Child Identity Theft Scam

In this scam, fraudsters use a child's Social Security or identity details, often stolen via phishing or breaches, to open accounts, credit, or benefits in the child's name, undetected for years until they apply for credit.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first if I suspect identity theft?
Secure your email and key accounts with new passwords and two-factor authentication, contact your bank, check your credit report, and report it to your fraud authority.
How do scammers get my details?
Through phishing, data breaches, SIM swaps, mail theft, and account takeovers. Strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication make misuse much harder.
What is a SIM swap?
It is when a scammer takes control of your phone number to intercept codes and calls. A sudden loss of mobile signal can be a sign; contact your carrier immediately.

Related scam categories

Bank & Payment Scams

Bank and payment scams impersonate your bank or a payment service to trigger panic, then push you to share codes, move money, or log in on a fake page.

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Social Media Scams

Social media scams use DMs, fake giveaways, verification offers, and romance messages to steal logins, money, or personal information.

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Email Scams

Email scams (phishing) imitate companies you trust to trick you into logging in on a fake page, paying a fake invoice, or downloading an attachment.

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Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.