Phishing, fraud, and impersonation

Identity Fraud

Identity fraud is the use of stolen personal, private or financial information for unlawful gain. Examples of what is considered identity fraud include using a stolen identity to open new credit accounts, withdraw money from bank accounts, or commit crimes. Phishing (fraudulent emails) and malware (malicious softwared) are digital methods that criminals use to steal the sensitive information needed to commit identity fraud. Comparing identity theft vs fraud, identity theft is when criminals steal someone’s personal information, but identify fraud is how they use it for illegal purposes.