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
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.
Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
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.
Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
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.
Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
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.
Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
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.
Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
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.
Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
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.
Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
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.
Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
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.
Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
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.
Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first if I suspect identity theft?
How do scammers get my details?
What is a SIM swap?
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