Glossary/Identity theft

Glossary term

Identity theft

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information — like your name, SSN, or account details — without permission to commit fraud or cause other harm.

What it is

Identity theft can mean opening credit cards in your name, filing fake tax returns, draining bank accounts, or getting medical care under your identity. It often starts with a data breach, phishing, lost documents, or info sold by data brokers and dark-web markets.

Some cases are quick account takeovers; others are slow burns you notice only when a loan, collection notice, or IRS letter arrives.

How it works

  1. Collection — Attackers obtain PII via breach, phishing, malware, dumpster diving, or purchase.
  2. Misuse — They open accounts, take over existing ones, file claims, or create a synthetic identity mixing your data with fake details.
  3. Concealment — Address changes, new emails, or SIM swaps keep alerts away from you.
  4. Discovery — You spot unknown credit inquiries, bills, or lockouts — sometimes months later.
  5. Prevention and early monitoring matter because cleanup can take time across bureaus, banks, and agencies.

Red flags

  • Credit or collection notices for accounts you did not open
  • Unexpected IRS or benefits letters
  • Denied credit for accounts you do not recognize on your report
  • Medical bills for care you never received
  • Mail that stops arriving (possible address change fraud)
  • Password or MFA prompts you did not trigger

What to do if you’re targeted

  • **Place a fraud alert or credit freeze** with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion if you suspect serious misuse.
  • **Review credit reports** and dispute errors; change passwords and enable MFA on key accounts.
  • **Contact banks, card issuers, and the FTC** — start an identity-theft report at IdentityTheft.gov (U.S.).
  • **Document everything** — dates, reference numbers, and copies of letters.
  • **Watch for tax and medical** fallout in the following seasons.
  • **Optional:** a free identity scan and ongoing monitoring (dark web, social) with identity theft insurance up to $1M (subject to policy terms) can support recovery and early warning.

Related terms

Next steps

Free identity scan

Check for signs your information may be exposed — free and straightforward.

Free identity scan

Protect your identity

Dark web and social monitoring, plus identity theft insurance up to $1M (subject to policy terms).

Protect your identity