Online identity theft is a crime in which an attacker uses fraud or deception to obtain personal or sensitive information from a victim and misuses it to act in the victim’s name. Usually, perpetrators of such crimes are motivated by their own economic gain.
This guide details what identity theft is, spotting the signs of identity theft, and tips on identity theft protection online.
Identity theft refers to a crime committed in order to obtain personal information such as passwords, ID numbers, credit card numbers or national insurance numbers. Cyber identity theft criminals then misuse this personal or sensitive information and act fraudulently in the victim’s name, commonly to apply for loans, make an online purchase, or access the victim’s medical and financial data.
The term identity fraud is sometimes used as a synonym for identity theft, although the concept of identity fraud also encompasses the use of false or modified identity, as opposed to identity theft where criminals misuse someone else's real identity.
There are a number of different ways that malicious sources stealing your identity could be used to commit fraud or theft. While some types of identity theft focus on real-world physical theft, many take place online. These common types of online identity theft include:
Account fraud is one of the primary ways your stolen identity can be used. Criminals will take control of your account using details they’ve taken from you and use this new access to make payments or transfer money.
Whether your card is stolen or your details are taken from a database, this type of fraud focuses on using your details without permission. Not only could you lose money, but it could affect your credit score in the long term.
This may not feel like a form of online identity theft, but driving licences and other personal IDs can be taken in data breaches and used to open accounts in your name, without your knowledge.
If someone can gain access to your physical mail or your email account, they could find a whole host of personal information. This includes details like account numbers, login credentials, family contact information or addresses. It’s a gold mine for someone looking to commit identity theft.
This refers to the situation whereby someone breaks into one of your shopping accounts and uses it to place orders with saved card information. This could either be through data breaches, dodgy redirects, phishing or malware.
A national insurance number can be used to set up all kinds of things in your name, including bank accounts and credit agreements. Always check your credit report to see whether anything suspicious is happening in your name. There’s always a chance of a data breach or hack putting your National Insurance number (NIN) into the public domain.
This form of identity theft deliberately targets seniors who may be more vulnerable to phishing or scams, which have been created to take personal data or access bank accounts.
This is often one of the more insidious forms of identity theft; it’s usually someone known to the family who takes and uses a child’s details to create accounts, or enter into credit agreements fraudulently.
A form of fraud in which someone files a tax return in your name, so they can receive a refund.
With the increase in Face ID and fingerprint scanners in smart technology, this fraud type focuses on stealing biometric identity so cybercriminals can access your sensitive data and bank accounts.
There’s a range of different things criminals may do with your mortgage or home information. You could find mortgages being signed over to other people, houses being sold without your knowledge or else take out equity or another mortgage. These can be very damaging.
Cyber identity theft is closely linked to phishing and other social engineering techniques that are often used to pry sensitive information from the victim. Public profiles on social networks or other popular online services can also be used as a source of personal information, helping criminals to steal identities and impersonate their targets.
When identity thieves have collected such information, they can use it to order goods, take over the victims’ online accounts, or take legal action in their name. In the short term, affected individuals can suffer financial loss due to unauthorised withdrawals and purchases made in their names.
There are a number of possible signs that could help you spot online identity theft before it goes too far. Be vigilant and keep an eye out for:
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