Knowra Identity theft Identity theft Identity theft is the unauthorized use of another person’s identifying information to impersonate them, often to obtain money, services, or other benefits through fraud.
Personally identifiable information : Information that identifies a person directly or can identify them when combined with other data. Names, account numbers, and similar details can let a criminal impersonate the person they identify.
Tax identity theft : Fraudulent use of someone’s identifying information to file a tax return or claim a refund in their name. A stolen identity can be used to redirect a tax refund before the legitimate taxpayer files.
Credit report : A record of a person’s credit accounts, payment history, and related information maintained by a credit reporting agency. Fraudulent accounts may appear on a victim’s report and affect access to credit.
Identity fraud : Fraud in which someone uses a false, stolen, or manipulated identity to obtain a benefit or evade an obligation. Unlike identity theft’s emphasis on unauthorized use of another person’s information, identity fraud also covers invented identities.
Account takeover : Unauthorized control of another person’s online account, usually through stolen credentials or recovery details. Identity thieves use stolen credentials to take over existing accounts and act as their owners.
Medical identity theft : Unauthorized use of another person’s identity to obtain medical care, prescriptions, or insurance benefits. It applies impersonation to healthcare and can corrupt the victim’s medical records.
Debt collection : The process of seeking payment of an unpaid debt from a borrower or another person legally responsible for it. Victims may face collection attempts for debts created by someone impersonating them.
Impersonation : The act of pretending to be another person, often to deceive or gain access. Identity theft supplies identifying information for impersonation, but impersonation can occur without stolen personal data.
Synthetic identity fraud : Fraud that combines real and fabricated personal information to create a false identity. It extends identity theft by blending genuine identifying details with invented ones.
Child identity theft : Fraudulent use of a child’s personal information, often to obtain credit or services in the child’s name. Children’s unused credit histories can make their identities attractive targets.
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