Identity theft
Also known as:
- stolen identity
- ID theft
- identity fraud
- personal fraud
What is Risk ?
Digital risk factors associated with their interests and activities
Identity fraud is when that information is used to commit fraud.
Information used for identity theft can come from:
- public sources online
- hacking and phishing attacks
- physical documents
It may never be possible to know exactly how someone’s information has been stolen.
Personal information can include:
- name
- address
- date of birth
- phone number
- personal images
- education records
These details can be used to:
- open accounts
- apply for loans, credit cards or phone contracts
- claim state benefits
- buy things online
- imitate someone, for example, on social media
- apply for official documents, for example, a passport
A young person may not know they have had their identity stolen until they are contacted about fraud. For example, unrecognised charges on a bank statement.
Risks and motivations
Risks
Losing money
Identity fraud can often result in money being taken from someone’s bank account or loans being taken out in their name. This can affect a young person's credit rating or result in being added to a fraud database. It could make it difficult to apply for credit or a loan.
A young person who has had their identity stolen may have to pause their online activity. This can limit their ability to make money or ability to run a business.
Malware and viruses
Malware is computer software designed to damage devices or steal information. It can be downloaded to a personal device without someone realising. If left on a device after other issues around identity theft are resolved, it can mean that information can be stolen again.
Exploitation
Someone who has had their data or information stolen can be at risk of exploitation or blackmail. For example, they could be coerced into sharing explicit images of themselves or being blackmailed into sending money.
Anxiety and distress
Someone who has experienced fraud can also feel upset, embarrassed, angry or anxious. It can damage relationships in their life.
It can be time-consuming and stressful to respond. For example, changing passwords, and contacting a bank to recover lost money.
Breaking the law
Identity fraud is a criminal offence in the UK. Someone found guilty of identity fraud can face a criminal record or prison. Stolen personal information can also be used to commit other crimes. For example, money laundering.
If someone is found to have been involved in identity theft, it may be held on local police records, but does not constitute a crime.
Motivations
Someone might be motivated to steal someone's else personal information online because they want to:
- make money
- impersonate someone
- blackmail or extort someone
- troll or harass someone
What you can do
You may be working with a young person who has had their identity stolen or who has experienced identity fraud.
Your response will depend on the type of harm. For example, if their social media account has been hacked, you could help them report it to the platform.
In cases where a young person knows their personal information has been stolen or is being used without their permission, reports should also be made to relevant banks, credit cards or building societies. This could help to recover lost funds or to put fraud alerts in place.
You can contact the police, either for more information or to report an incident.
A young person may also have committed identity theft or identity fraud. If you have questions about the legality of a young person’s behaviour you should seek legal advice.
If you think that a young person is at risk, follow your safeguarding procedure and read our safeguarding guidance.
Support
You might decide to talk through some practical advice with a young person. You could discuss:
- why you should avoid sharing personal private information online
- tips for strong passwords, or setting up two-factor authentication
- reporting and blocking functions on social media platforms
- software that can scan for viruses and malware
- talking to an adult they trust if they are ever unsure, or worried
Read more about identity theft
- Everyday digital: data (Parent Zone) – Website
- Identity theft, identity fraud and/or identity-related crime (Research Gate) – Journal
- The financial and psychological impact of identity theft among older adults (National Library of Medicine) – Website
- Identity theft: how it happens (US Department of Justice) – Journal
Share your experience of identity theft
You can tell us about:
- other terms you might have heard
- conversations you’ve had with young people
- a related platform or app
- another related risk or harm