What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is a growing crime that affects millions of individuals every year. The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2023, there were over 1 million reports of identity theft in the United States, a significant increase compared to previous years. This alarming data highlights the importance of understanding identity theft, recognizing its various forms, and implementing effective strategies to protect from it.

Common Techniques Used by Identity Thieves

Identity theft is a sophisticated crime often involving the extraction of personal data from various sources. While small to medium-sized businesses are frequent targets due to their potentially vulnerable security systems, resulting in substantial financial and reputational harm, individuals are equally at risk. In 2022, incidents such as business email compromises led to reported losses nearing $2.7 billion, highlighting the severity of these attacks.

Identity thieves also directly target individuals by various means. They might pilfer physical mail to access sensitive information or mine social media profiles on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for personal details. Other tactics include hacking into personal emails and bank accounts or purchasing stolen data on the dark web.

Below are some of the most common techniques identity thieves use:

• Physical Theft: Stealing physical documents like credit cards, bank statements, or any paperwork containing sensitive personal information.
• Phishing Attacks: Sending fraudulent emails that mimic legitimate companies, agencies, or organizations, coaxing recipients into divulging personal details such as names, addresses, banking information, and passwords.
• Cold Calling: Impersonating bank representatives or service providers over the phone to trick individuals into revealing their personal information.
• Cyber Hacking: Illegally accessing computer systems to steal identities, credit card information, and other financial data.
• Insider Threats: Occasionally, employees within institutions like banks may exploit their access to confidential customer data, selling it on the dark web.

10 Red Flags of Identity Theft

1. Unexplained Charges: Keep an eye out for unfamiliar transactions on your credit card or bank statements. These could be small to test if the account is active before making larger withdrawals or purchases.
2. Strange Medical Bills: Receiving medical bills for procedures you did not undergo is a clear indicator that someone else might be using your health insurance information.
3. Unrecognized Bills: Bills from companies with which you have never conducted business can suggest that new accounts have been opened in your name.
4. Unexpected Confirmation Emails: If you receive confirmation emails for purchases you didn't make or accounts you didn't sign up for, this is a strong sign of potential identity theft.
5. Debt Collection Calls: Being contacted by debt collectors about outstanding debts that do not belong to you is a serious alert that your information may be used fraudulently.
6. Unsolicited Credit Cards: If you receive credit cards that you didn't apply for, it's possible an identity thief has applied in your name.
7. Credit Application Notifications: Notifications about the approval or rejection of credit applications that you did not initiate should raise concerns.
8. Suspicious Account Activities: Watch for unusual login attempts or security alerts from your online accounts, including social media and email.
9. Credit Score Changes: A sudden, unexplained drop in your credit score can indicate that someone else is misusing your credit.
10. Unexpected Credit or Loan Rejections: If you have a clean credit history but start facing rejections for credit or loans, it might be due to identity theft affecting your credit profile.

Types of Identity Theft

Identity theft can manifest in various forms, each posing unique challenges and risks. Here are seven common types of identity theft that everyone should be aware of:

1. Financial Identity Theft 

This is the most prevalent form of identity theft, where thieves use stolen personal data to access victims' finances. They may open new accounts under someone else's name or make unauthorized transactions. For instance, a syndicate in Melbourne used stolen personal data to open 70 accounts at various banking institutions and later transferred the money overseas using cryptocurrencies.

2. Driver's License Identity Theft 

Thieves may obtain a driver's license in another person's name, which can be used to commit traffic violations or even vehicle theft. A notable example is the San Francisco-based luxury car-sharing service HiGear, which had to shut down due to identity fraud-related theft incidents.

3. Social Security Number (SSN) Theft 

A stolen SSN can be used to hijack social security benefits, apply for loans, or secure credit cards. Cybercriminals have been known to create fake websites, like counterfeit Citibank sites, to steal SSNs and access bank accounts.

4. Medical Identity Theft

Criminals may use stolen medical records to fraudulently access health insurance benefits or medical services. A massive cyberattack in Singapore led to the theft of personal data from 1.5 million patients, which included sensitive health information.

5. Tax Identity Theft

This type involves using someone else's tax information to file fraudulent tax returns or claim refunds. For example, two men in Florida exploited personally identifiable information to file false tax returns through their tax preparation service.

6. Employment Identity Theft

Here, identity thieves use someone else's personal information to gain employment or collect public benefits. There was a case in Massachusetts where a man used a stolen identity for 40 years to possibly secure employment and other benefits.

7. Child Identity Theft

Children's SSNs and other personal data are particularly vulnerable as they can be used to open accounts, apply for loans, or obtain credit cards. In Portland, a nine-year-old's identity was misused to open a bank account and secure a credit card.

How to Prevent Identity Theft

Identity theft is a pervasive issue that can have devastating effects on individuals and businesses alike. With the increasing requirement for businesses to collect more Know Your Customer (KYC) data, the responsibility to safeguard this sensitive information becomes paramount. Here are comprehensive strategies to prevent identity theft for both businesses and their customers:

For Businesses

1. Implement Robust KYC and AML Processes: Utilize advanced identification verification tools to meet regulatory KYC needs while being AML compliant. These tools help in accurately verifying the identities of clients and preventing unauthorized access.
2. Protect Sensitive Data:
   • Encrypt Data: Securely encrypt customer data before transmission or storage, including credit card, bank account, and social security information.
   • Use Firewalls and VPNs: Install a robust firewall and a reliable VPN to protect against external attacks. Regularly update software to address security vulnerabilities.
   • Limit Access: Restrict access to sensitive data to essential personnel only and ensure physical documents are shredded when no longer needed.
   • Adopt New Technology: Implement antivirus software, encrypted backups, and DDoS protection appliances to enhance security.
   • Vet Vendors: Ensure that third-party service providers have adequate security measures in place to protect sensitive data.
3. Establish Data Protection Policies:
   
   • Develop guidelines on how customer information is handled and stored.
   • Create a protocol for responding to data breaches.
   • Appoint an information security officer to oversee data security practices.
   • Set data retention policies and securely dispose of unnecessary sensitive data.
4. Set Customer Identification Rules:
   
   • Verify customer IDs during transactions, especially when there are changes in payment data or user profiles.
   • Implement multi-factor authentication.
   • Avoid collecting unnecessary personal data.
   • Establish fraud alerts and manually review unusual transactions.

For Customers

1. Maintain Strong Personal Security Practices:
   • Use Strong Passwords and Multi-factor Authentication: Enhance account security by using complex passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
   • Stay Vigilant Against Phishing and Scams: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages. Verify the authenticity of links and senders before clicking or providing personal information.
   • Secure Your Network: Use a secure VPN connection, especially when accessing public Wi-Fi networks.
   • Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts for any unauthorized activity. Set up alerts for unusual activities.
2. Respond Promptly to Identity Theft:
   • Report Immediately: If you suspect that your identity has been stolen, contact the relevant financial institutions, credit bureaus, and law enforcement agencies. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and consider freezing your credit.
   • Close Compromised Accounts: Shut down any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
   • Keep Records: Document all communications and actions taken to resolve the identity theft.

By implementing these preventive measures, both businesses and individuals can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and mitigate its impact should it occur. It is crucial for everyone to stay informed and vigilant as tactics used by identity thieves continue to evolve.

How Does a Sanction Scanner Prevent Identity Theft?

Sanction Scanner effectively prevents identity theft through a comprehensive array of tools tailored to detect and mitigate fraudulent activities. The platform utilizes advanced fraud detection tools that scrutinize behavioral patterns to pinpoint any irregularities that may suggest fraudulent intent. Its transaction monitoring capabilities are designed to oversee financial activities continuously, ensuring that suspicious transactions are identified and addressed promptly.

Additionally, Sanction Scanner includes customer risk assessment tools that evaluate individuals' risk levels by analyzing their transaction histories and other pertinent data. The platform also features name screening tools that cross-reference customer data against global watchlists to ensure thorough compliance and prevent identity fraud. Together, these features form a formidable barrier against identity theft, providing robust protection for personal and financial information. Request a demo today and see how it works.