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ID Theft Resources

Your identity is worth a lot to you — and to identity thieves. That’s why identity thieves prey on your personal information to commit crimes and make money. Learn how to help protect against ID theft or recover from it, whether you’re at home or on the road.

All identity theft articles

A woman reviewing the steps to take following the exposure of her SSN.

What to do if someone has your Social Security number

Learn what to do if someone has your Social Security number, including how to report fraud and how to secure your identity.

A mother and son play happily, knowing that they are covered by identity theft insurance.

What is identity theft insurance + is it worth it?

Learn about identity theft insurance, what it usually covers, how it works, and where to get it, so you can decide if it's worth buying.

A stethoscope, calculator, and medical bills, symbolizing the risk of medical identity theft.

What is medical identity theft? + Prevention tips for 2024

Medical identity theft occurs when someone steals and uses personal medical information to file false claims. Learn how to protect your medical identity today.

A person reviews their mobile banking settings and resets passwords following an account takeover.

Account takeover attacks (ATO) and prevention tips

Account takeovers happen when hackers strongarm their way into accounts to steal money, information, or services.

Woman looking at several charts and graphs that show how common identity theft is.

How common is identity theft in 2024? 24 identity theft statistics

Find out how common identity theft is, areas and ages affected most by identity theft, and other identity theft statistics.

A father and son playing happily, knowing they have strong protection against identity theft.

Child identity theft: How to protect your child

A child’s safety is a parent’s top concern. But what about their identity? Read this guide to learn how to keep your child's identity safer.

A composite image superimposed over a woman’s face to symbolize synthetic identity theft.

What is synthetic identity theft + how does it work?

Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how synthetic identity theft works, how you can spot it, and the steps you can take to help keep your identity safe.

A person checking their credit report to see if they’ve become a victim of identity theft.

Victims of identity theft: Who is targeted and why?

Discover who the most common victims of identity theft are, why they’re targeted, and how you can protect yourself.

A woman submitting an SS-5 form to replace a Social Security card.

How to Replace a Social Security Card in 3 Steps

Need to get a new Social Security card? Learn how to replace your Social Security card in 3 steps, whether online, in person, or via mail.

A mother taking her daughter’s photo in a town plaza.

12 Ways Identity Theft Can Happen to You

Learn the ways someone can steal your identity through phishing, data theft, and more. And find out what to do about it.

An image of a woman standing in an airport departure hall.

What to do if you lose your passport

Learn what to do if you lose your passport. Read our guide to learn what documents you need to gather and how to apply for a replacement.

A father and daughter playing happily, knowing their family has identity theft protection.

Family identity theft: A protection guide for 2025

Family identity theft can often do more damage than fraud from a stranger. Stay protected by learning about family fraud and signs of family identity theft.

5 Ways Hackers Can Steal Your Identity

Stay informed about the latest identity theft news and stories about what law enforcement and elected officials are doing to protect consumers from becoming victims.

Why Teens Are at Risk for Identity Theft

Identity theft is more common among kids, teens and college students than any other age group.

What Is Criminal Identity Theft?

Stay informed about the latest identity theft news and stories about what law enforcement and elected officials are doing to protect consumers from becoming victims.

A homeowner reviews their utility bills to make sure that their accounts were set up correctly.

Avoid identity theft traps in the utility bill setup process

Identity thieves will continue to use utility setup scams to steal. Protecting your personal and financial information is paramount.

4 Lasting Effects of Identity Theft

The impact of identity theft can last for months or years. In this article, we’ll discuss the 4 different ways victims can be affected by identity theft.

5 Kinds of ID Theft Using a Social Security Number

It is important to know what criminals can do with your social security number so you know how to recognize red flags. Learn more from LifeLock.

Dumpster Diving

“Dumpster Diving” – literally digging through your trash – remains a popular method for stealing large amounts of your personal information.

Can Your Identity Be Stolen With Only a Name and Address?

Stay informed about the latest identity theft news and stories about what law enforcement and elected officials are doing to protect consumers from becoming victims.

A man couple researchers LifeLock’s Million Dollar Protection Package on his phone while sitting on a sofa.

LifeLock’s Million Dollar Protection™ Package: What is it and what does it cover?

Everything you need to know about LifeLock's Million Dollar Protection™ Package, including what it covers and how it can help protect you and your family from the fallout from identity theft.

A woman looks at financial information on her computer while working to recover from parental identity theft.

If You’re Recovering From Parental Identity Theft, Read This First

Child identity theft is leaving many young adults with crippled finances. Restoring your identity can take time, but recovery is possible.

Parents spend time with their children and share advice about how to better protect their online identities.

Online safety advice parents should share with their kids

So you’ve got a young person ready to go out into the world? Don’t miss these tips you can pass on to help them stay cybersafe.

How one woman found herself in debt she didn’t create

Learn how one woman became a victim of identity theft. Understand the practical steps for safeguarding your personal information.

What is data privacy and why is it important?

Data privacy is as important for private individuals as it is for companies. Learn how to keep your personal information safe online.

A woman looks into the different types of identity theft and learns how to protect herself.

15 types of identity theft plus examples

Learn about 15 of the most common types of identity theft, how to detect them, and tips for defending yourself.

Carding: What is it and how can you avoid it?

Carding is a type of fraud in which a thief steals credit card numbers and uses them to buy prepaid gift cards.

Identity Theft vs. Identity Fraud - What's the Difference?

Learn about the difference between identity theft and identity fraud. Be prepared and find out how you can help protect yourself with LifeLock.

How to Report Identity Theft to the Credit Bureaus

Identity theft affects millions of Americans every year. Learn how to notify the credit reporting agencies of identity theft and what to expect once you do.

How long does it take to recover from identity theft?

How long it takes to recover from identity theft depends on how much damage criminals cause, how many accounts they’ve hacked, and how many illegal purchases they’ve made.

How a Silent Phone Call Could Lead to Identity Theft

Stay informed about the latest identity theft news and stories about what law enforcement and elected officials are doing to protect consumers from becoming victims.

Debit vs. Credit Card ID Theft

Most credit card companies allow 90 days for a victim to report an unauthorized transaction, while banks generally require a two-day notice for unauthorized debit card purchases.

Child Identity Theft by a Parent: What You Need to Know

Stay informed about the latest identity theft news and stories about what law enforcement and elected officials are doing to protect consumers from becoming victims.

Check-date fraud: Date your checks “2020” — here’s why

If you don’t date your checks by using the full four-digit year in 2020, you could increase your chance of becoming a victim of check fraud.

Q&A: Is It safe to sign in with Google or Facebook?

Should you use social logins such as Facebook to sign into your accounts? For privacy and security reasons, it's probably best to stick with a good old-fashioned email or username and password.

Military identity theft: What you need to know + tips

Learn why identity thieves target service members. Find out how military members can help protect against identity theft.

Two college students focus on a school project, knowing their identities are protected.

Starting college? Don’t major in identity theft

Ready to earn your minor in online safety? Here’s our study guide for avoiding identity theft while in college.

About the time I got on the phone with a scammer

Phone scams are more sophisticated than ever, a lesson I learned best when I found myself on the phone with a scammer

Six things someone could learn about you from your wallet

You’ve lost your wallet. How worried should you be? Maybe quite a bit. It all depends on what’s inside it.

Young girl sits with her grandfather and discusses identity theft.

Ghost stories: Identity theft of people who have passed away

The last thing you want to think about during your time of grief is fraud. Learn how to protect your loved one’s name and legacy.

Little boy dressed in ghost costume holding a pumpkin-shaped Halloween candy basket.

Could the scariest Halloween mask be… You?

Enjoy this spooky season without fear of cybercriminals using your personal information as their costume.

Woman taking happily on the phone with her white dog in hand.

Four words that may get you scammed

You never really know who or what is on the other side of that call. Make sure you know what to do when asked, “can you hear me?”

Father and son safely playing games online.

Navigating the dangers of online gaming

As gifting season draws closer, new games and consoles might appear under the tree. Familiarize yourself with the dangers of online gaming to help everyone stay safe while they play.

Dad and his son check their fantasy football scores after taking steps to protect their personal information.

6 tips to protect against a fantasy football data breach

Fantasy sports aren’t immune from data breaches. But you can take steps to protect your information if your league is hit by a breach.

‘Tis the season of personal info protection

The holiday season is a time of joy and sharing. We gather with our loved ones to exchange gifts, swap stories, and break bread. However, as we embrace the spirit of giving, there's one aspect of our lives that we must cling to: our identity.

Cracking the code: How scammers piece together your identity in the digital age

What are the unintended consequences of shared data? See how seemingly anonymized information can be deciphered by digital detectives on the wrong side of the law.

Carders and cashers are tag-teaming to steal your identity. Don’t let them

When your credit card numbers are being traded on the dark web, ignorance is not bliss. Learn about carders, cashers, and your identity.

Close up of a hand holding a smartphone, with another hand in the background on a laptop, learning about fake tax preparers.

The dangers of fake tax preparer scams

This tax season, watch out for scams where fraudsters posing as professional tax preparers and steal personal and financial information.

W-2 Phishing Scam: What It Is and How To Help Protect Against It

Get advice from LifeLock about W-2 phishing scams and how to help protect against them. Learn steps you can take to help avoid hackers getting your personal information through a W-2 phishing scheme.

Person sitting at a desk looking at three screens – laptop, mobile phone, and tablet.

That misdelivered email or letter could come back to bite you

Misdelivered mail or email can be the result of an innocent mistake. But before you trash it, shred it, or return to sender, take a closer look. It could be a sign that you’re being scammed or targeted for identity theft.

Stop leaving your personal information lying around in public

Using digital devices for work and play can leave parts of our identity out for the taking in public. Here are some new habits to help keep your personal information safe in public.

A woman in a green shirt wearing a headset and sitting at a computer.

A Day in the Life of a Restoration Specialist

Learn about prevention tips and LifeLock's 100% guarantee.

Picture of married couple at their wedding holding hands.

Just married? A guide to changing your name safely

How to unravel the safe steps to change your name seamlessly and be aware of the pitfalls on the road to your wedding day.

Image of a woman holding on a phone and standing on a street.

Your personal information is in more places than you think

Explore where your personal information is stored and learn how to protect it.

A person holding a passport and boarding pass.

Spot passport scams before it’s too late

Learn how to identify and avoid passport scams to keep them from derailing your vacation plans.

An image of a person at a coffee shop with a cup of coffee and a laptop.

Get schooled: 8 ways to avoid college student identity theft

College student identity is more common than you think. Learn the warning signs and how to avoid falling victim to identity theft with our comprehensive guide.

Image of a woman sitting at a desk with a laptop and phone

Avoiding the trap of financial hardship loan scams

Discover how to protect yourself from financial hardship loan scams.

A man used his computer to discover how to report identity theft to the FTC, police, and more

How to report identity theft to the FTC, police + more

If someone stole your identity, you're probably wondering how to report identity theft. To learn how, follow this identity theft reporting guide.

Person looking for ways to avoid the constant identity theft attempts.

The growing threat of identity theft and what can you do about it

Gen Threat Labs’ recent report has revealed a sharp rise in cyberattacks aimed at stealing personal information.

A young woman leaning against a mirror, which shows her reflection.

How to recover from identity theft in 11 steps

Are you a victim of identity theft? Our guide walks through each step of identity theft recovery and offers prevention tips for the future.

A woman searching in her bag for her lost wallet

10 steps to take if your wallet is lost or stolen

What should you do if your wallet is lost or stolen? Take these steps to minimize damage and prevent financial or identity fraud.

A paper form containing data fields for personally identifiable information (PII).

What is personally identifiable information (PII)?

Learn what personally identifiable information (PII) is, why it’s important, and how to protect yours in our guide.

A man contacting the relevant authorities after losing his Social Security card.

What happens if you lose your Social Security card?

If you lose your Social Security card, helping to protect yourself against identity theft matters most. Find out how to replace your lost or stolen SSN card here.

A group of professionals working collaboratively in a small business.

Is Your Small Business a Big Target for Identity Thieves?

As a small business owner, you may think identity thieves wouldn’t be interested because you’re not a giant corporation with a lot of money and information.

A woman taking a picture of her young child on her mobile phone.

How to Remove Personal Information From the Internet

If you’re ready to help protect your identity, here’s how to remove personal information from the internet.

A woman at a desk working through the necessary steps following identity theft.

What to do if your identity is stolen: 12-step guide

Follow this 12-step guide to learn exactly what to do if your identity is stolen, from contacting relevant companies to placing a freeze on your credit report.

A man with his face partially obscured and distorted by artificial light.

How to check if someone is using my identity

Learn how to check if someone is using your identity and the steps to take to protect yourself from identity theft by reading this guide.

An elderly couple confidently using their passport and credit card information.

Credit monitoring vs. identity theft protection: What’s the difference?

Do you know the difference between ID theft protection & credit monitoring? Find out now and learn more about which one may be best for you.

A partially distorted image of a woman, symbolizing the impact of identity theft.

How to prevent identity theft: 19 security tips

Learn how to prevent identity theft and protect your personally identifiable information with these security tips.

An image of a card with a social security number

What can someone do with your social security number?

What can someone do with your social security number? Learn what can be done with your SSN and how to protect yourself from identity theft.

The identity theft credit repair process + tips to lower your risk

Learn strategies for identity theft credit repair to safeguard your financial well-being. Discover steps to fix your credit after identity fraud.

A young couple staring in the window of a store surrounded by Christmas lights and décor.

Appily ever after: A modern-day holiday romance

When social media royalty swipes right on a digital minimalist a true love connection is made.

A woman sits on her couch, looking at her phone as she navigates the aftermath of identity theft.

Navigating the aftermath of identity theft

Worried about identity theft? Alex was too. Here's how he navigated the aftermath - and how LifeLock can help.

Close up on the hands of a man on a treadmill, learning about tax-related identity theft on social media.

The rise of tax-related identity theft on social media

Social media platforms have evolved into spaces where privacy is compromised, leading to an increase in tax-related identity theft.

Two friends grab coffee after learning the answer to the question, "Is identity theft protection worth it?"

Is identity theft protection worth it in 2024, really?

No one can stop identity theft, but identity theft protection services can help. Read our guide to learn why the best identity theft protection services are worth getting.

LifeLock Identity Restoration Specialists seen answering a call from a customer.

What identity experts want you to know about protecting your identity.

LifeLock Identity Restoration Specialists have seen it all when it comes to identity theft. Here’s their advice for anyone wanting to step up their identity protection game.

A person sitting down, wearing headphones, and holding a mobile device by a beach

Protect your identity while traveling this summer

Learn how to protect your identity while traveling with essential tips on device security, VPN use, and monitoring financial activities.

What is Ghosting? One More Form of Identity Theft

Ghosting is a form of identity theft. It occurs when someone uses the personal information of a dead person, often for monetary gain. Learn more from LifeLock.

Identity Theft Recovery

If someone steals your identity, you could face costs and hassles. Find out what to do to help restore your personal and financial life, and your good name.

Fraud

Identity thieves can profit from your personal information by committing identity fraud in your name. Learn how to spot and help protect against identity theft.

Internet Security

You want your online activity to have protection. That goes for shopping, banking, and having fun. Learn more about internet security from LifeLock.

Data Breaches

If your information is exposed, a data breach can lead to identity theft. Learn what to do if you’re affected by a data breach.

LifeLock Blog Home

Read our expert tips and advice to help protect yourself from identity theft. Learn about data breaches, fraud, credit, and internet security from the pros at LifeLock by Norton.

Disclaimer: The content on this site is meant to provide general educational information to consumers. The topics covered in particular articles do not necessarily reflect whether a certain type of crime, fraud, or threat may be covered by the Norton and/or LifeLock offerings. Remember that no one can prevent all identity theft or cybercrime, and that LifeLock does not monitor all transactions at all businesses. Please review complete Terms during enrollment or setup.

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ID Theft Resources

Trending identity theft articles

All identity theft articles

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ID Theft Resources

Trending identity theft articles

All identity theft articles

Interested in learning more?

Start your protection, enroll in minutes.

Start your protection,
enroll in minutes.