Identity theft is no longer a rare crime—it’s one of the fastest-growing threats facing adults today. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a staggering 25% increase from the previous year. Nearly 23.9 million adults—about 1 in 9 U.S. residents over the age of 16—said they experienced some form of identity theft within a single 12-month span.

When you consider those numbers, the odds don’t seem small at all. Whether through large-scale corporate data breaches, AI-driven scams, or old-fashioned fraud, criminals have more tools than ever to steal your personal information.

The Rising Odds of Identity Theft

Identity theft has grown significantly over the past decade, and it’s not slowing down. In 2014, about 17 million U.S. residents reported identity theft. By 2021, that number jumped to 23.9 million victims, showing nearly a 40% increase. Fast forward to 2024, and the cost of fraud reached $12.5 billion, with credit card fraud and new account fraud leading the charge.

The increase isn’t just about money—it’s about scale. With billions of personal records exposed in breaches each year, criminals have a treasure trove of information to exploit. Even if you’ve never fallen for a scam personally, your data may already be circulating on the dark web, making you a target.

How Identity Theft Happens

Identity theft can occur in multiple ways, many of which don’t require you to make a single mistake. Criminals don’t always need you to hand over information—they can get it elsewhere. Large-scale data breaches are one of the most common entry points, where hackers break into corporate systems and leak millions of Social Security numbers, email addresses, and passwords. Phishing scams are another frequent method, tricking people into giving up credentials through fake emails, texts, or calls.

More recently, AI-driven fraud has added a dangerous layer. Voice cloning makes it possible for scammers to impersonate loved ones over the phone, and AI-written phishing emails are so polished they’re nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Once criminals have your details, they often sell them on the dark web, where identity data is bought and resold to other fraudsters. In other cases, thieves rely on old-fashioned methods, such as stealing mail or rummaging through discarded documents, to gather the information they need.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone can be a victim, some groups face higher odds. Seniors are frequently targeted with phishing emails or phone scams because scammers view them as more trusting or less familiar with digital security. Young adults, on the other hand, may not check their credit reports regularly, which means fraud can go unnoticed for longer periods. Social media users are also at risk, since oversharing birthdays, addresses, or even answers to “fun” online quizzes can give criminals the details they need to bypass security questions.

Even income plays a role. High-income adults are often targeted because they are seen as more lucrative victims, especially if they have strong credit. And children aren’t safe either—child identity theft is on the rise, as their Social Security numbers can be used to create synthetic identities that go undetected for years.

Real-World Cases That Show the Odds

Statistics can feel abstract, but real-life cases highlight just how diverse identity theft can be. One example is Matthew David Keirans, who lived under someone else’s identity for decades, holding jobs and avoiding legal consequences until he was finally caught in 2023 and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

There are also cases where criminals aim for high payouts. A man in New Jersey was indicted for attempting to deposit a stolen U.S. Treasury check worth $410,085 using a fake identity. In another example, a woman in New York tried to withdraw $50,000 from a bank account with fraudulent documents. These cases show that identity theft can range from massive fraud schemes to everyday scams targeting unsuspecting individuals.

Warning Signs Your Identity May Be Compromised

The earlier you spot identity theft, the better chance you have of stopping it before it spirals. Watch for these red flags:

• Unfamiliar charges on your bank or credit card statements
• Debt collectors calling about accounts you never opened
• A sudden drop in your credit score
• IRS notifications about tax returns you didn’t file
• Verification texts, emails, or login alerts you didn’t initiate

If any of these happen, it’s critical to act immediately—contact your bank, freeze your credit, and file a report with the FTC.

Steps to Reduce Your Risk

While you can’t control data breaches, you can make yourself a harder target.

Strengthen Your Accounts

• Use unique, strong passwords for every account.
• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA), preferably with an authenticator app instead of SMS.

Secure Your Personal Data

• Shred sensitive mail before discarding it.
• Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media.
• Limit the amount of personal data tied to online accounts.

Monitor Your Financial Health

• Check your bank and credit card statements weekly.
• Review your free annual credit reports from all three bureaus.
• Consider a credit freeze to block unauthorized new accounts.

Remove Your Data From Brokers

• Personal details often end up on data broker sites that sell your info. Request removals manually or use a privacy service to automate the process.

The Odds Aren’t in Your Favor

The numbers don’t lie: identity theft is on the rise, and the odds of being affected are higher than ever. With millions of victims each year and billions in losses, this is no longer a “what if” scenario—it’s a “when.” By taking proactive steps, staying vigilant, and using the right tools, you can reduce your risk and respond quickly if your information is compromised.

Stack the Odds With iDefend!

Fighting identity theft alone can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it by yourself. With iDefend’s Identity Protection Plan, you get:

• Real-time monitoring of your personal information and financial accounts
• Dark web alerts when your information appears for sale
• Fraud recovery support from experts who guide you step by step
• Ongoing data removal from online broker sites to reduce your exposure

The odds may be high, but you don’t have to be a victim. Take control today with iDefend and protect what matters most—your identity, your finances, and your peace of mind.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take control of your digital safety today with iDefend. Try iDefend risk free for 14 days now!