Understanding Identity Theft in the United States
Identity theft occurs when someone steals another person’s sensitive personal information. It’s distinct from ID fraud, which involves using stolen information in a fraudulent or deceptive manner. To better understand identity theft patterns, we’ve analyzed recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other government agencies.
Key Insights into Identity Theft
- Reported instances of identity theft were 382% higher in 2023 than 20 years ago.
- Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Ohio saw the largest increases in identity theft reports per 100,000 people over the past five years.
- Thirty-somethings reported identity theft more frequently than any other age group in 2023, accounting for almost 30% of reported cases.
- Georgia had the highest number of reported identity theft cases per capita in 2023, for the second year in a row.
- Credit card fraud was the most common type of identity theft, with 416,582 cases reported in 2023.
Identity Theft by State
According to the FTC’s ‘2023 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book,’ Georgia saw the highest number of ID theft reports per capita in 2023, with 457 reported cases per 100,000 residents. Other states with high rates included Florida, Nevada, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California.
Metropolitan Areas with High ID Theft Rates
The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, Florida, metropolitan area saw the most reported instances of ID theft per capita in 2023, with 729 cases per 100,000 residents. Other high-risk areas included Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, Georgia; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas; and Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nevada.
Who’s Most Vulnerable to ID Theft?
People in their 30s are most likely to be victims of identity theft. Of the 917,315 identity theft reports in 2023 that included a victim’s age, 30- to 39-year-olds made up 29.8%. This age group reported more cases of every type of ID theft than any other age range.
Common Types of Identity Theft
Credit card fraud was the most prevalent, with 416,582 cases reported in 2023. ‘Other’ identity theft, which includes using someone’s information for online shopping, emails, social media, medical services, and more, made up about 25% of all reports.
How Identity Thieves Get Your Information
Phishing and ransomware were among the most common cyberattacks leading to data breaches in 2023. Thieves often impersonate acquaintances or employers to obtain sensitive information. The number of data compromises in the U.S. reached a record high in 2023, affecting over 353 million victims.
Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft
To safeguard your identity, be cautious when sharing personal information online or over the phone. The FTC recommends using two-factor authentication, unique passwords, and monitoring your credit reports. Freezing your credit with major credit bureaus can also prevent unauthorized access.
The Future of Identity Theft Prevention
The Identity Theft Resource Center predicts increased adoption of biometric-based identity verification tools and more comprehensive data privacy laws in states. The U.S. government has proposed significant funding for fraud and identity theft prevention measures, including $1.6 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act to modernize unemployment insurance systems and prevent fraud.
Conclusion
While identity theft remains a significant threat, there’s hope: between 2021 and 2023, reported identity theft cases decreased by approximately 28%. Staying vigilant and informed is key to protecting your identity in a hyperconnected world. If you’re a victim, report it to the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov and, if applicable, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
