This is a form of identity theft that is very difficult to detect and may not involve the immediate loss of finances. Nevertheless, the repercussions may be just as serious:

“…She was a victim of synthetic identity theft. Unlike traditional ID theft, crooks steal your social security number…But tie it to a different name…Creating a new, fictional person.

The thieves open bank accounts and credit cards…Even get jobs …Yet it can take years to uncover…”

link: New, Frightening Form of ID Theft

The key to this and other forms of identity theft is somehow accessing a social security number. That provides the criminal with numerous possibilities. With this type of identity theft happening, one may question reports that try to assure data breach victims that their personal information has not been used. Evidence of use of the compromised personal data may turn up months, if not years, later.

Catherine Forsythe

Tags: security, identity theft, social security number, data breach, synthetic