Identity theft is a growing problem that affects millions of people every year, causing both financial and emotional stress. With more personal information shared online, the risk of identity theft is higher than ever. In this article, we are going to take a look at 25+ Identity Theft Statistics for 2026, showcasing the latest trends, risks, and impacts of identity fraud across different age groups, locations, and online habits.
General Identity Theft Statistics
Every 22 Seconds, an American Becomes an Identity Theft Victim
In the United States, identity theft occurs at an alarming rate, with a new victim reported approximately every 22 seconds. Data from the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network shows that these cases happen so frequently that identity theft has become one of the most common crimes nationwide.
Over 1.15 Million Identity Theft Cases Reported in the U.S. by Q3 2025
Identity theft remains a significant and growing concern in the United States, as reflected in recent FTC data. During the first three quarters of 2025 alone, 1,157,317 identity theft reports were filed, already exceeding the 1,135,291 cases reported throughout all of 2024, indicating that 2025 is on pace to become a record year for identity theft incidents.
| Year | Identity Theft Reports |
| 2019 | 650,000 |
| 2020 | 1,388,532 |
| 2021 | 1,434,477 |
| 2022 | 1,107,004 |
| 2023 | 1,036,855 |
| 2024 | 1,135,291 |
| 2025 Q1-Q3 | 1,157,317 |
The reported cases stood at 650,000 in 2019, jumped to over 1.38 million in 2020, and peaked at 1.43 million in 2021 before declining slightly in 2022 and 2023. Despite this dip, reports increased again in 2024 and are now climbing even faster in 2025.
55% of Medical Identity Theft Victims Pay About $2,500 Out of Pocket
Medical identity theft imposes a substantial financial burden on affected individuals. Approximately 55% of medical identity theft victims report paying an average of $2,500 in out-of-pocket expenses to resolve issues such as fraudulent medical bills and errors in their health records. In more severe cases, studies indicate that total resolution costs can exceed $13,000, reflecting prolonged disputes with healthcare providers and insurers. Beyond direct financial losses, victims often face lengthy recovery periods, with many cases taking several months to fully resolve.
Credit Card Fraud Tops Identity Theft Reports in 2024 With 449,000+ Complaints
Credit card fraud was the most common form of identity theft reported to the FTC in 2024, with more than 449,000 complaints filed. A closer look at the data shows that the majority of these cases involved criminals opening new credit card accounts using stolen personal information.
In fact, the FTC recorded over 406,000 incidents of new-account credit card fraud, making it far more prevalent than fraud involving unauthorized charges on existing credit cards, which accounted for 52,428 reports. This gap shows that identity thieves increasingly focus on creating entirely new accounts rather than misusing cards victims already have.
UK Loses $24 to $55 Million Annually to Card ID Theft
Card ID theft causes significant financial losses in the UK each year, ranging from £20 million ($24 million) in quieter years to over £45 million ($55 million) during peak periods. According to UK Finance, the highest losses were recorded in 2008 and 2018, marking 20-year highs of more than £45 million. Even in less active years, such as 2002 and 2011, annual losses from card ID theft still exceeded £20 million.
Europe Loses Over $200 Million Annually to ATM Fraud
ATM fraud in Europe results in substantial financial losses each year, totaling over $200 million annually. Data from the European ATM Security Team shows that reported losses fluctuated between 2010 and 2019, peaking in 2017 at €353 million ($370 million). Following several years of rising losses from €248 million ($260 million) in 2013 to €353 million ($370 million) in 2017 ATM fraud dropped sharply in 2018 to €247 million ($259 million) and remained relatively stable in 2019 at €249 million ($261 million).
| Year | ATM Fraud Losses Reported |
| 2010 | €268 million ($281 million) |
| 2011 | €234 million ($245 million) |
| 2012 | €265 million ($278 million) |
| 2013 | €248 million ($260 million) |
| 2014 | €280 million ($294 million) |
| 2015 | €327 million ($343 million) |
| 2016 | €332 million ($348 million) |
| 2017 | €247 million ($259 million) |
| 2018 | €247 million ($259 million) |
| 2019 | €249 million ($261 million) |
California, Florida, and Texas Lead the U.S. in Identity Theft Reports
Identity theft is widespread across the United States, with certain states reporting particularly high numbers of cases. Through the third quarter of 2025, California led with 135,575 reports, closely followed by Florida at 135,317. Texas also saw a significant number of incidents, totaling 128,758 reports. Other states with high reporting included Georgia with 63,264 cases and New York with 59,017. This shows that identity theft affects millions nationwide, with some states experiencing far higher volumes of reported cases than others.
| Top States | Identity Theft Reports |
| Florida | 135,317 |
| California | 135,575 |
| Texas | 128,758 |
| Georgia | 63,264 |
| New York | 59,017 |
Credit Card Fraud Leads Identity Theft Cases in Q3 2023 With 100,890 Reports
Credit card fraud accounted for the highest number of identity theft cases in the third quarter of 2023, with 100,890 incidents reported. Other common types of identity theft included loan or lease fraud with 40,666 cases, government documents or benefits fraud at 31,038, and bank fraud totaling 33,735 cases. Employment or tax-related fraud affected 17,918 victims, while phone or utility fraud was reported 21,269 times. Additionally, 64,327 cases fell into the “other identity theft” category.
| Type of Identity Theft | Number Of Identity Thefts Recorded In Q3 2023 |
| Credit Card Fraud | 100,890 |
| Loan or lease fraud | 40,666 |
| Bank Fraud | 33,735 |
| Government Documents or Benefits Fraud | 31,038 |
| Phone or Utility Fraud | 21,269 |
| Employment or Tax-related fraud | 17,918 |
| Other Identity Theft | 64,327 |
33% of U.S. Citizens Have Experienced Identity Theft
Identity theft affects a significant portion of the global population, with notable differences across countries. In the United States, about 33% of citizens report having been victims of identity theft at some point in their lives, highlighting the widespread nature of the crime. Australia shows a similarly high exposure, with 31% of residents reporting lifetime identity theft incidents.
In contrast, the United Kingdom reports a lower prevalence, with 17% of citizens affected, illustrating how the scale of identity theft varies by region while remaining a serious concern worldwide.
Financial Identity Theft Accounts for 37% of All FTC Complaints
Financial identity theft was the most common type of identity theft reported in 2022, making up 37% of all complaints submitted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This shows that more than one-third of identity theft cases involve the misuse of financial information, such as credit cards, bank accounts, or loans, highlighting the persistent threat of financial fraud to consumers across the United States.
Identity Theft Protection Services Market to Grow From $12.5B in 2023 to $34.7B by 2032
The Identity Theft Protection Services market is projected to experience substantial growth over the next decade. In 2023, the market was valued at approximately USD 12.5 billion, and it is expected to reach around USD 34.7 billion by 2032. This represents a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033, showcasing the increasing demand for services that protect consumers against identity theft and related cyber threats.
Also Check 24+ augmented reality stats for 2025–2034
Identity Theft Victims Statistics
Nearly 73% of Identity Theft Victims Are Under Age 50
Identity theft disproportionately affects younger adults, according to age-based victim data. Individuals aged 18 to 29 account for the largest share at 34% of all identity theft victims, showcasing a higher exposure to digital platforms and online transactions.
| Age Group | Percentage of Identity Theft Victims |
| 18 to 29 | 34% |
| 30 to 39 | 21% |
| 40 to 49 | 18% |
| 50 to 59 | 16% |
| 60 and above | 11% |
The 30 to 39 age group represents 21% of reported cases, followed by those aged 40 to 49 at 18%. Older adults also face significant risk, with 16% of victims aged 50 to 59 and 11% aged 60 and above. Overall, the data shows that while identity theft impacts all age groups, nearly three-quarters of victims (73%) are under the age of 50.
Adults Aged 30 to 39 Account for 30% of All Identity Theft Reports
Identity theft reports vary significantly by age, with adults aged 30 to 39 accounting for the largest share of victims. According to the latest FTC data, this age group reported 65,795 cases, representing 30% of all identity theft reports the highest of any demographic. Victims aged 40 to 49 followed with 22% (47,636 reports), while those aged 20 to 29 accounted for 18% (39,882 reports).
| Age Group | Number Of Identity Theft Reported By Victims | Share Of Identity Theft Reported By Victims |
| 19 and under | 3,999 | 2% |
| 20 to 29 years | 39,882 | 18% |
| 30 to 39 years | 65,795 | 30% |
| 40 to 49 years | 47,636 | 22% |
| 50 to 59 years | 33,032 | 15% |
| 60 to 69 years | 18.653 | 9% |
| 70 to 79 years | 7,351 | 3% |
| 80 and above | 1,924 | 1% |
Older adults between 50 and 59 made up 15% of reports, and reports declined steadily with age beyond that point. The lowest number of identity theft cases came from the youngest and oldest populations, with individuals aged 19 and under representing just 2% (3,999 reports) and those aged 80 and above accounting for only 1% (1,924 reports). This distribution shows that identity theft most heavily impacts working-age adults, particularly those in their 30s.
Child Identity Theft Affects Over 1 Million Children Annually
Child identity theft is a widespread but often underreported issue, affecting more than one million children each year. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, approximately 1.3 million children’s records are stolen annually, despite relatively few formal complaints being filed.
The risk is especially high among foster children, who are considered the most vulnerable to this type of fraud. The problem is even more serious because reported cases of child identity theft went up by 63% in 2021 compared to 2019, showing that these incidents are rising quickly and raising more concern about the misuse of children’s personal information.
34% of Identity Theft Victims Lose Between $100 and $500
A significant portion of identity theft victims experience moderate financial losses. Data shows that 34% of victims reported losing between $100 and $500 as a result of identity fraud. This indicates that while some cases may involve smaller or larger amounts, a substantial number of individuals face tangible out-of-pocket costs.
43% of Identity Theft Victims Spend Significant Time Resolving Issues
Identity theft has wide-ranging consequences for adults worldwide, extending beyond financial loss to emotional and practical disruptions. According to survey data, the most common impact is the time spent resolving identity-related issues, reported by 43% of victims.
Financial safeguards are also common, with 33% freezing their credit cards and 30% experiencing direct monetary theft. The effects on well-being are significant, as 27% report negative impacts on mental health and 25% experience difficulty sleeping.
| Consequences of Identity Theft | Share of respondents |
| I spent time resolving the issue created | 43% |
| I had to freeze my credit card | 33% |
| I had money stolen | 30% |
| My mental health was negatively impacted | 27% |
| I experienced difficulty sleeping | 25% |
| I lost access to my online account | 23% |
| I had to close a bank account | 22% |
| My credit score was negatively impacted | 21% |
| I lost out an opportunity (such as a house purchase) | 16% |
| Other | 5% |
| Nothing | 6% |
Additionally, 23% lose access to online accounts, 22% are forced to close a bank account, and 21% see damage to their credit score. Longer-term repercussions are also evident, with 16% missing important opportunities such as buying a home. Only 6% report no consequences, showcasing that identity theft typically leads to multiple, lasting impacts for most victims.
Active Social Media Users Face 30% to 46% Higher Risk of Identity Theft
Being active on social media significantly raises the risk of identity theft. According to Javelin, individuals with a strong social media presence are between 30% and 46% more likely to experience identity theft or have their accounts taken over compared to those who use social media less or not at all. This data shows how sharing personal information online can make users more vulnerable to fraud and cybercrime.
64% of Identity Theft Victims Have No Insurance Coverage
A majority of identity theft victims are unprotected, with 64% having no form of identity theft insurance when the fraud occurred. According to US News, nearly two-thirds of victims lacked this coverage, leaving them to deal with the financial and administrative consequences on their own. Additionally, 15% of victims reported that they were unaware such insurance even existed.
44% of Identity Theft Victims Take Legal Action
Nearly half of identity theft victims take formal steps to address the crime, with 44% reporting that they have pursued some form of legal action. Beyond legal measures, the vast majority of victims 89% respond by implementing additional precautions to protect themselves from future incidents. This shows that while fewer victims engage in legal recourse, most are actively taking steps to strengthen their personal security in the aftermath of identity theft.
LifeLock Data Reveals 70% of Identity Theft Victims Suffer Monetary Loss
Identity theft has a significant financial impact on victims, with a 2025 study by Gen Digital, LifeLock’s parent company, showing that 70% of victims lose money due to fraud. On average, each victim reported losing over $7,600, underscoring the substantial economic burden that identity theft places on individuals.
Identity Theft Demographics
Younger Adults Face More Data Breaches, While Older Adults See Higher Fraud Risks
The types of identity theft experienced vary notably by age group, reflecting differences in digital behavior and life stage. Individuals aged 18 to 29 are most commonly affected by data breaches, phishing scams, and social engineering attacks, largely due to heavy online and social media usage. Those aged 30 to 39 face higher rates of financial identity theft, driven by greater involvement in banking, credit, and major financial transactions.
| Age Group | Types of Identity Theft Faced |
| 18 to 29 | Data Breaches, Phishing, and Social Engineering |
| 30 to 39 | Financial Identity Theft |
| 40 to 49 | Medical Identity Theft due to High Healthcare Activity |
| 50 to 59 | Phishing Attacks Targeting Personal Information |
| 60 and above | Social Security Identity Theft, Medicare Fraud |
Among adults aged 40 to 49, medical identity theft is more prevalent, often linked to increased healthcare usage and insurance activity. Victims in the 50 to 59 age group are frequently targeted by phishing attacks aimed at stealing personal and account information, while adults aged 60 and above are most vulnerable to Social Security identity theft and Medicare fraud.
Q1 to Q3 2025 Data Shows Credit Card Fraud Leads Across All Adult Age Groups
The youngest and oldest Americans report the fewest cases of identity theft, though this does not necessarily mean they are less at risk. Low reporting may reflect a lack of awareness, uncertainty about how to report, or a choice not to report incidents.
Data from Q1 to Q3 2025 shows that the most common type of identity theft varies slightly by age but is dominated by credit card fraud across most groups. Among those 19 and under, employment or tax-related fraud is most frequent, accounting for 47% of reports (10,213 cases). For all other age groups, credit card fraud is the leading type, ranging from 41% of reports among 20 to 39 year olds to 29% among those 80 and older.
| Age Group | Most Common Type of Identity Theft | Number of Reports, Q1 to Q3 2025 | Percentage of Age’s Total Identity Theft Reports |
| 19 and under | Employment or tax-related fraud | 10,213 | 47% |
| 20 to 29 | Credit card fraud | 92,716 | 41% |
| 30 to 39 | Credit card fraud | 153,119 | 41% |
| 40 to 49 | Credit card fraud | 99,824 | 39% |
| 50 to 59 | Credit card fraud | 55,841 | 37% |
| 60 to 69 | Credit card fraud | 26,464 | 32% |
| 70 to 79 | Credit card fraud | 10,278 | 31% |
| 80 and above | Credit card fraud | 2,653 | 29% |
Identity Theft Risk Factors
Nearly 9 in 10 People Leave Personal Data Exposed Online
Personal information exposure online is a major risk factor for identity theft, and it is largely preventable. According to NortonLifeLock, nearly 9 in 10 people leave their personal data exposed while using everyday online services, such as email or online banking.
60% of Users Assume Their Personal Information Isn’t at Risk on WiFi
Most people underestimate the risks of using public WiFi. According to NortonLifeLock, 6 out of 10 individuals believe their personal information is safe when connected to WiFi networks, while only 40% recognize the potential dangers. This shows that despite growing awareness of cybersecurity, a majority of consumers still take public WiFi for granted, leaving themselves vulnerable to identity theft and other online threats.
79% of Americans Share Passwords, Putting Themselves at Risk for Identity Theft
Password habits in the U.S. put many people at risk for identity theft. Data from Google shows that around 4 in 5 Americans (79%) share their passwords with family or friends, and 65% reuse the same passwords across multiple websites. Despite these risky behaviors, only 13% of respondents say they are concerned about identity fraud, indicating a significant gap between unsafe online practices and awareness of potential consequences.
Oversharing on Social Media Raises Identity Theft Risk Significantly
Oversharing personal information on social media significantly increases the risk of identity theft. Sharing details such as birthdates, hometowns, and family names gives attackers the information they need to guess security questions or reconstruct personal profiles. This behavior makes it easier for fraudsters to access accounts, steal identities, and commit financial or online crimes.
Wrapping Up
Identity theft remains a persistent threat, and as technology evolves, so do the ways criminals access personal data. The 2026 trends show that protecting yourself means more than just being careful it requires actions like checking your accounts regularly, using strong and unique passwords, and being careful about what you share online. Since online threats are always changing, knowing how to use basic cybersecurity tools and habits is key to keeping your personal information safe and staying ahead of identity thieves in the future.
