Glossary
Identity theft
Identity theft: Identity theft is the use of your personal information, such as your Social Security number or date of birth, to open accounts, file tax returns or get medical care in your name.
Updated February 1, 2027
An example
Someone files a tax return in your name and claims your refund before you do.
Why it matters to you
A credit freeze stops new accounts; an IRS Identity Protection PIN stops fraudulent returns. Report at identitytheft.gov, which builds your recovery plan.
Where to go next
See also
- Credit freeze
A credit freeze is a free setting at each of the three credit bureaus that blocks anyone from opening a new account in your name until you lift it.
- Data breach
A data breach is a security incident in which a company's stored customer data, such as emails, passwords, Social Security numbers or card numbers, is stolen.