Types of Identity Theft

Everything you need to know about the different ways your identity can be stolen.

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

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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.
March 26, 2025 ·3 min read
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 ·4 min read
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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
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Social Media Identity Theft: How to Protect Yourself
Whether you’re accessing the internet from the comfort of your living room or 30,000 feet in the air, you want what you’re doing online to have protection. That goes for shopping, banking, and just having fun. Learn how to do just that.
October 22, 2020 ·3 min read
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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 ·2 min read
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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
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What is employment identity theft + how it occurs
Employment identity theft is when thieves use your Social Security number or other personal information for a background check or other employment requirements.
August 14, 2023 ·3 min read
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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 min read
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Online identity theft: What it Is and how it happens
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.
January 19, 2018 ·3 min read
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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 min read
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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 min read
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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 min read
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