What is Identity Theft? | Office of the Attorney General (2024)

FAQs

What is the simple definition of identity theft? ›

Identity theft happens when someone takes your name and personal information (like your social security number) and uses it without your permission to do things like open new accounts, use your existing accounts, or obtain medical services.

Identity theft. is when someone wrongfully acquires and uses a consumer's personal identification, credit, or account information.

Identity theft involves acquiring key pieces of someone's identifying information, such as name, address, date of birth, social security number, and/or mother's maiden name in order to commit, aid, or abet any crime.

These are some of the most common types of identity theft, as well as steps you can take to help combat them: Financial identity theft. This is the most common form of identity theft — when someone uses another person's information for financial gain.

Being falsely accused of theft can come with real-life consequences as well as a great deal of stress and social stigma. The good news is that you cannot technically be charged with a crime unless there is evidence that you actually committed the crime, so a wrongful accusation of theft cannot stand on its own.

Debit and credit card fraud are two of the most common types of identity theft. When your card is stolen or someone gets your account information, they can use it to make unauthorized charges. This can cause you to lose money and damage your credit score.

The use of ID information in order to commit fraud or other crimes, for example by assuming another person's identity to exploit bank accounts and credit cards, create new account, take out loans and credit, order goods and services or disseminate malware.

1. Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet. If your health plan (other than Medicare) or another card uses your Social Security number, ask the company for a different number.

What is not covered under identity theft? ›

What does identity theft insurance not cover? It's important to note that these insurance policies typically don't cover stolen money or direct financial losses from fraudulent purchases and other unauthorized use of credit accounts. They typically reimburse you only for the costs of the reporting and recovery process.

Critical data you should keep under lock and key: Birth certificate. Social Security Number. Taxpayer Identification Number.

We've defined identity theft as: “the act in which a criminal illegally accesses and uses someone else's personal information in order to take over or open new accounts, receive tax and government benefits, or commit crimes under a false identity.”

Identity theft, identity piracy or identity infringement occurs when someone uses another's personal identifying information, like their name, identifying number, or credit card number, without their permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. The term identity theft was coined in 1964.

The three most common types of identity theft are financial, medical and online.

Beware of these warning signs: Bills for items you did not buy. Debt collection calls for accounts you did not open. Information on your credit report for accounts you did not open.