November 2025 Newsletter

Synthetic identity theft is one of the fastest-growing types of fraud. Instead of stealing a real person’s full identity, fraudsters create a new one by combining real and fake information, such as using a real Social Security number with a made-up name or address. These fake identities are used to apply for credit cards, bank accounts, loans, or government benefits, all of which can damage the credit of real individuals, often children or the elderly, and be a nightmare to correct.

Protecting yourself starts with monitoring. Regularly check your credit reports from all three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — for unfamiliar accounts. Freeze your credit to block unauthorized access and consider using identity theft protection services. Be cautious about sharing personal information, especially on social media, and watch for strange mail or credit denials.