Scam Types
Identity Theft
Scam type — FTC & BBB data
Fraud reports are categorized by type. Below we summarize national statistics and how to avoid this scam.
Last updated: March 2026
FTC Consumer Sentinel (national)
- Reports: 1,400,000
- Total loss: $0M
- Median loss: $0
BBB Scam Tracker 2024
- Reports 2024: 6,789
- Risk score: 8
- Median loss: $400
- Top contact: Online/Phone/Data Breach
What is this scam?
Theft of personal information including SSN, credit card numbers, and login credentials through phishing, data breaches, and social engineering.
How to avoid & report
- Never send money or gift cards to someone you have not met in person.
- Verify contact details independently (official website, phone number).
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- File a complaint with the BBB at bbb.org/file-a-complaint.
Related FTC alerts
FTC consumer alerts that match this scam type:
- Got a letter about unemployment benefits you didn’t file? That’s identity theftMar 2026
- Identity Theft Awareness Week starts todayMar 2026
- This Identity Theft Awareness Week, find tools and events just for youMar 2026