Definition
Identity cloning is a type of identity theft in which a malicious actor steals your identity to impersonate you. This includes using your information to buy a house, start a family, get a job, or create an entire lifestyle based on your life.
Usually, people who use identity cloning want to conceal their lives either because they have committed a crime or lack proper papers to live in a country.
Sometimes, a person only needs your social security number to clone your identity. However, some identity clones can dig up as much information as possible, including your address, the school you went to, where you grew up, etc., to help them sound convincing when asked about your life.
Signs of Identity Cloning
- If you’re getting frequent alerts of fraudulent activity from your bank.
- You notice purchases on your card statements that are not yours.
- Credit score fluctuations without your input.
- Receiving suspicious calls about debts that you are not aware of.
- Getting unfamiliar emails of bills that you have not initiated.
Methods of Identity Cloning
- Acquisition of personal information: The process begins by acquiring the victim’s credentials, including birth certificates, social security numbers, passport details, driver’s license, and more. They obtain this information through various means, such as phishing scams, data breaches, etc.
- Creating a synthetic identity: Sometimes, cybercriminals fabricate new identities by combining fake and real information. They can use the new to open bank accounts, obtain credit cards, and do all sorts of financial transactions with the victim’s name.
- Identity camouflage: After acquiring the necessary information, the identity clone can try to blend into the victim’s life by impersonating their history and behavior. This can include claiming the victim’s jobs, using their address, or assuming their family roles like faking to be a parent or spouse.
- Geographic relocation: Some identity clones can move to new areas or countries to cover their deceit and avoid detection.
Consequences of Identity Cloning
- Financial ruin: Victims of identity cloning may face financial hardships due to fraudulent bank or card transactions.
- Legal troubles: Identity clones risk facing legal charges if caught.
- Emotional distress: The financial consequences of identity cloning may cause emotional turmoil to the victims.
- Damage to credit history: Accumulated debts from identity cloning may affect the victim’s credit score, making it difficult for them to get a loan or credit in the future.
- Reputational damage: Victims suffer reputational damage if their identities are used for malicious or illegal purposes.
Identity Cloning Prevention and Response
- Monitor your credit: Check your credit card regularly for suspicious activity.
- Protect private information: Safeguard your private data, including your social security number, address, passport, phone number, and more.
- Use strong passwords: Create secure passwords that are hard to guess and enable two-factor authentication.
- Shred documents: Dispose of documents containing private information by shredding them to prevent your information from falling into the wrong hands.
- Stay informed: Educate yourself on various identity theft techniques and their prevention measures to stay vigilant.