Since 2021, identity and information theft reported to BBB Scam TrackerSM have totaled more than 16,600, rising each year. Nearly every scam contains some sort of information theft, and many scam survivors who lost money may not realize their personal information has also been compromised.
Reports to Better Business Bureau® show that identity thieves target information such as passwords, routing numbers, addresses, PINs, security codes on credit cards, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers to create fake identities and steal additional cash. Fraudsters also target other areas as well, such as social media pages and profiles, and driver’s licenses.
In its latest study, “AI tools and Dark Web power identity theft, putting bank accounts, Social Security numbers at risk,” BBB examines patterns of reports, reviews the amount of money lost, and shares stories from those caught up in the scams so the public can avoid them.
BBB Midwest Plains has received reports from consumers across the region who have fallen victim to identity theft through a variety of deceptive schemes. These include applying for remote job opportunities, searching for discounted products online, engaging in online romantic relationships, and trying to cancel confusing subscription services.
Victims span all demographics — including students and non-students, military personnel and veterans, as well as civilians of all ages and backgrounds. These scams are impacting individuals regardless of gender, age, or experience, underscoring the widespread and evolving nature of identity theft in today’s digital world.
Key findings:
- Identity and information theft are a part of nearly every other scam, and it is nearly impossible to keep all sensitive information safe.
- Fraudsters use stolen information to impersonate people or create fake identities for additional scams.
- Dozens of websites on the internet and Dark Web allow the sale of stolen information.
- Scammers trade tips on how to evade law enforcement, new techniques to steal information, and sell data to one another.
Identity and information theft scam reports across North America (2022-2024)
- 16,667 – BBB Scam Tracker
- 2,985,715 – Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network
Scam survivor stories:
Patrick in Pennsylvania told BBB he was helping his wife sort through job applications online. He was trying to find out details about a certain job she was interviewing for, and the supposed business claimed she would be paid through PayPal.
He was suspicious, so he made a spoofed/fake account with a virtual machine.
He then tried to send in his fake information, which directly him to a scam website. Shortly afterward, he was able to spot an attempt to access the email that he had put onto the fraudster’s website.
Stephanie in Idaho told BBB she was looking for a place to rent with her husband.
She found a great place online, and the person supposedly renting it out was on the deed for the home, which made her believe it was legitimate. She went ahead with the application, which included a picture of her ID and the last four of her social. The landlord told her they had gotten the place, as long as they sent along the security deposit and rent.
She went to look at the place with her husband before sending money, and a neighbor was outside. They told her someone had come by several hours ago, saying the landlord told them they had also gotten the place. It turns out that the scammer was impersonating the real owner.
Red flags:
- Examine domain names closely
- Be wary of emailed links
- Avoid websites with low-quality design
- Texts from unknown sources, urging you to act quickly
- Unexpected messages on social media from friends
BBB has tips to avoid identity and information theft:
- Don’t share personal information. Usernames, passwords, bank accounts, and Social Security numbers are just a few of the personal pieces of information you should be very wary about showing to anyone but fully trusted sources.
- Regularly run credit checks and review financial statements. Information theft is incredibly hard to avoid. Monitoring your credit and financial accounts can help you catch fraud in the earliest stages before costly scams occur.
- Implement multi-factor authentication whenever possible. One of the best ways to safeguard your accounts is through multi-factor authentication. While it may add a step for you, it can make your most sensitive accounts nearly impenetrable to all but the most cunning scammers.
- Consider implementing credit freezes or fraud alerts. If you do not need to open any new credit accounts soon, a freeze can stop scammers from ever getting the chance to use stolen information. Alerts may allow scammers to open accounts, but quick alerts and actions allow you to cut off their attempts before any damage is done.
