{"id":352668,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/online-scams\/identity-theft.html"},"modified":"2024-04-24T09:46:18","modified_gmt":"2024-04-24T14:46:18","slug":"identity-theft","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/online-scams\/identity-theft.html","title":{"rendered":"Identity Theft Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Identity Theft Law<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Identity theft can cost victims time, money, and peace of mind. Anyone can become a target of a scam or data breach.<\/p>\r\n

Most identity thieves steal personal information over the internet. They can also get personal data from trash cans and other unsecured locations. This personal information allows thieves to access bank accounts, sensitive emails, and other private data.<\/p>\r\n

FindLaw’s Identity Theft section explains how you can boost your identity protection. You can also learn what to do if someone steals your identity. Federal consumer protection law offers ways to recover your identity and money.<\/p>\r\n

What Is Identity Theft?<\/h2>\r\n

Identity theft is a crime<\/a> in which a thief uses a person’s personal information to commit fraud or other crimes.<\/p>\r\n

Some examples of personal information that thieves can use include:<\/p>\r\n