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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 cybercriminal dressed as a ghost preparing to commit "ghosting," a form of identity theft.

ID Theft Resources

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.

October 28, 2017 ·3 Minutes

ID Theft Resources

What can someone do with your passport number?

Learn what someone can do with your passport number and how to protect yourself from identity theft.

February 24, 2025 ·3 min read

An image of a woman receiving a potential spam call.

ID Theft Resources

What are “Potential Spam” calls and how do you stop them?

“Potential Spam” calls are annoying, but they can also be dangerous. Get tips to help stop spam callers and keep your number private.

January 29, 2025 ·8 min read

A group of professionals working collaboratively in a small business.

ID Theft Resources

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.

February 04, 2021 ·3 Minutes

ID Theft Resources

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.

December 14, 2023 ·5 min read

ID Theft Resources

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.

May 30, 2018 ·3 Minutes

ID Theft Resources

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.

July 10, 2024 ·2 min 31 seconds

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

May 17, 2024 ·7 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

June 26, 2024 ·6 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

How common is identity theft? 24 identity theft statistics

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

April 08, 2024 ·6 min read

Picture of married couple at their wedding holding hands.

ID Theft Resources

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.

June 19, 2024 ·5 min read

ID Theft Resources

What Is Mail Theft? Why Should I Be Aware of It?

Your mail can be a valuable target for identity thieves. Learn more about mail theft, what it is, and how to help protect yourself.

November 10, 2017 ·3 Minutes

A woman representing a victim of criminal identity theft is partially hidden behind glass.

ID Theft Resources

Criminal identity theft: What it is and how to avoid it

Learn what criminal identity theft is, how it works, and what you can do to help protect against it happening to you.

March 14, 2025 ·8 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

May 03, 2024 ·8 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

October 22, 2024 ·11 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

February 29, 2024 ·3 min read

An image of a man checking his credit report after learning about synthetic identity theft.

ID Theft Resources

What is synthetic identity theft and how does it work?

Learn how to stop fraudsters from using your personal information for synthetic identity theft.

November 28, 2024 ·6 min read

A couple sitting on a couch discussing identity theft

ID Theft Resources

What to do if you are a victim of identity theft

Learn how to handle spousal identity theft, spot warning signs, and protect your financial security if scammed by someone you trust.

January 22, 2025 ·3 min read

Two people sitting at a desk. One woman is dressed in military attire.

ID Theft Resources

Military identity theft and how to protect our service members

Can military identity theft happen to you? Learn how to protect against it with these warning signs and steps to take if you're a victim.

November 14, 2024 ·3 min read

A patient fills out paperwork before seeing a doctor.

ID Theft Resources

What is medical identity theft and how does it occur?

Medical identity theft occurs when someone steals your identity to access healthcare or insurance services.

March 06, 2025 ·8 min read

ID Theft Resources

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.

November 30, 2017 ·3 Minutes

Young girl sits with her grandfather and discusses identity theft.

ID Theft Resources

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.

October 13, 2023

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

September 09, 2024 ·8 min read

ID Theft Resources

Dumpster Diving

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

February 04, 2021 ·3 Minutes

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

July 28, 2024 ·3 min 43 seconds

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

August 25, 2023 ·3 min read

ID Theft Resources

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

September 25, 2023 ·3 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

August 07, 2023

ID Theft Resources

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.

March 27, 2024 ·3 min

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

November 17, 2023 ·3 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

August 17, 2023 ·5 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

February 23, 2023

ID Theft Resources

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.

September 02, 2022

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

July 13, 2023

A woman searching in her bag for her lost wallet

ID Theft Resources

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.

May 26, 2023 ·3 Minutes

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

March 11, 2024

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

November 06, 2023 ·12 min read

A photo of a social security card protected under lock and key.

ID Theft Resources

How to lock your Social Security number

Learn how to lock your SSN, when to lock or unlock it, and what to do if your SSN is compromised—all in our guide.

July 30, 2024 ·11 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

February 13, 2024 ·7 min read

An image of an individual checking the state of their data privacy on their phone.

ID Theft Resources

What is data privacy? The complete guide

Data privacy is the practice of safeguarding your data. Learn about what data privacy is and why privacy is important for everyone.

September 20, 2024 ·10 min read

An image of a computer showing the FTC identity theft reporting portal.

ID Theft Resources

How to report identity theft to the police and FTC

If you’re wondering how to report identity theft to the police, follow along with our step-by-step guide.

December 06, 2024 ·8 min read

ID Theft Resources

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.

October 04, 2024 ·15 min read

A person reviews their finances to avoid falling prey to tax scams.

ID Theft Resources

Tax scams: 15 IRS scams and how to avoid them

Our beginner-friendly guide breaks down 15 of the most common tax scams and tips on how to avoid them.

April 02, 2024 ·15 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

October 16, 2023 ·10 minutes

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

July 31, 2024 ·12 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

September 09, 2024 ·5 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

How to prevent identity theft: 19 security tips

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

April 03, 2024 ·12 min read

A person learning what to do when someone took a loan out in their name.

ID Theft Resources

What to do if someone took out a loan under your name

Discover how fraudulent loans can impact your credit. Learn what steps to take if a loan is taken out in your name to protect yourself.

March 04, 2025 ·3 min read

A man considering whether investing in identity theft protection is worth it.

ID Theft Resources

Is identity theft protection really worth it?

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.

October 19, 2023 ·7 min read

Women discovering she is the victim of carding.

ID Theft Resources

What is carding? How it works + tips to avoid it

Learn what carding is, how it works, and what you can do to help protect yourself from credit card fraudsters.

February 10, 2025 ·8 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

Account takeover attacks (ATO) and prevention tips

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

February 19, 2024 ·9 min read

Person taking steps against data-stealing malware

ID Theft Resources

How to keep your information safe from data-stealing malware

Here’s what you need to know about it and how you can help protect your data from cybercriminals.

November 19, 2024 ·5 min read

A woman checks an identity theft alert in the LifeLock app.

Identity theft protection services

Get powerful identity theft protection services. Try LifeLock Ultimate Plus for free and benefit from a greater peace of mind.

An image visualizing the consequences of identity theft.

ID Theft Resources

9 consequences of identity theft and how to deal with them

The consequences of identity theft can last for years. Learn about the effects of identity theft and how to make recovery easier.

January 14, 2025 ·10 min read

A woman taking steps to help defend against identity theft

ID Theft Resources

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.

September 04, 2024 ·4 min read

ID Theft Resources

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.

May 21, 2024 ·1 minute and 43 seconds

A woman consulting with an identity theft protection expert.

ID Theft Resources

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.

February 02, 2024 ·9 min read

Child sitting at a laptop with his mother over his shoulder looking up a credit score

ID Theft Resources

How to check my child’s credit score

Should you check your child's credit score? Learn the signs of potential identity theft and steps to take if fraud is suspected.

January 08, 2025 ·3 min read

ID Theft Resources

7 Things to Know About Your New Medicare Card

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.

April 05, 2018 ·3 Minutes

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

October 06, 2023 ·11 Minutes

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

August 20, 2024 ·7 min read

Woman wearing military attire sitting in a chair

ID Theft Resources

Veteran scams and how to protect yourself

Are you a veteran at risk of scams? Discover common types of veteran scams and learn how to protect yourself.

November 08, 2024 ·4 min

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

September 19, 2024 ·14 min read

ID Theft Resources

Why Teens Are at Risk for Identity Theft

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

July 22, 2014 ·3 Minutes

ID Theft Resources

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.

January 02, 2018 ·3 Minutes

ID Theft Resources

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.

September 01, 2015 ·3 Minutes

ID Theft Resources

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.

October 31, 2013 ·3 Minutes

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

ID Theft Resources

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?”

October 31, 2023 ·5 min read

Father and son safely playing games online.

ID Theft Resources

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.

November 03, 2023 ·7 min read

ID Theft Resources

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.

December 19, 2023 ·5 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

February 20, 2024 ·3 min read

ID Theft Resources

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.

March 06, 2024 ·3 Minutes

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

January 11, 2024 ·6 min read

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

ID Theft Resources

A Day in the Life of a Restoration Specialist

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

June 17, 2024 ·2 min 31 seconds

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

ID Theft Resources

Your personal information is in more places than you think

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

July 12, 2024 ·3 min 8 seconds

A person holding a passport and boarding pass.

ID Theft Resources

Spot passport scams before it’s too late

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

July 26, 2024 ·2 min 43 seconds

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

ID Theft Resources

Avoiding the trap of financial hardship loan scams

Discover how to protect yourself from financial hardship loan scams.

August 13, 2024 ·2 min 43 seconds

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

ID Theft Resources

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.

October 10, 2019 ·3 Minutes

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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