Identity Theft Protection - OmniWatch Blog

A brass padlock resting on a stack of credit cards, representing financial identity theft and payment card fraud.

Types of identity theft: A complete guide to every category of identity fraud

Key takeaways * There are nine major types of identity theft, each targeting different personal information and requiring different recovery steps. * Financial identity theft is the most common, accounting for over 40% of all FTC reports.1 * Synthetic identity theft is the fastest-growing type, exposing U.S. lenders to $3.3

A hand holding a brown leather wallet with a Social Security card visibly sticking out of the card slot.

Identity Theft Protection

Your complete guide to protecting your Social Security number

Your Social Security number (SSN) is the single most valuable piece of identifying information in the American financial system. It is the key that unlocks new credit accounts, tax filings, government benefits, employment records, and medical billing. But if it falls into the wrong hands, the consequences can follow you

Identity Theft Protection

How to prevent identity theft: a complete guide

Identity theft is one of the most widespread financial crimes affecting Americans today.

Identity Theft Protection

How does identity theft happen? Every method explained

Identity theft does not happen in a single, uniform way. Criminals use a wide range of techniques, some technologically sophisticated and others remarkably low-tech, to acquire the personal information they need to commit fraud. What most methods share is the same goal: obtaining enough identifying data to impersonate a victim,

Aerial view of a person at a laptop with an open wallet with an ID inside

Identity Theft Protection

What is identity theft? A complete guide to how it works, what it costs, and how to protect yourself

What is identity theft? Identity theft is a crime in which someone obtains and uses another person's personal information, without their knowledge or consent, to commit fraud, access financial accounts, obtain services, or assume that person's identity for personal gain. It is one of the most

Women's History Month spotlight interview of Mona Terry, COO at the ITRC

Identity Theft Protection

Women’s History Month spotlight: Mona Terry on protecting consumers from scams

An interview with identity theft expert Mona Terry on scams targeting older adults, warning signs families should watch for, and how victims can recover. This Women’s History Month, OmniWatch is highlighting Mona Terry—Chief Operating Officer and Head of Victim Services at the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), and

U.S. $100 bill with the word “FRAUD”, illustrating tax fraud and identity theft risks during tax season.

Scam Protection

How to prevent identity theft during tax season: 15 smart ways to protect your refund

Tax season should mean one thing: getting your refund. But for hundreds of thousands of Americans each year, it turns into tax identity theft, refund fraud, and months of paperwork trying to prove they are who they say they are.1 In some cases, the IRS is taking up to

Smartphone showing suspicious text messages, illustrating romance scam red flags you should never ignore

Romance Scams

20 romance scam red flags you should never ignore

Romance scam red flags often appear early, but they can be easy to overlook when emotions are involved. Rather than leading with financial requests, scammers invest time in creating trust and emotional dependency. This guide breaks down the most common romance scam red flags into clear categories so you can

Romance Scams

What to do if you sent money to a romance scammer

If you’ve realized you sent money to a romance scammer, act fast. The steps you take in the next hours and days can limit financial loss, protect your identity, and stop further harm. Key takeaways: What to do right now * Stop all communication immediately * Contact your bank, payment app,

Romance Scams

Romance scams in 2026: The new tactics, warning signs, and how to protect yourself

Key takeaways * Romance scams are more sophisticated in 2026 with the rise of AI-generated photos, deepfakes, and crypto grooming to steal money or personal information. * Scammers move fast emotionally, avoid in-person contact, and create urgency around emergencies or “investment opportunities.” * Red flags include refusing video calls, pushing to private messaging

Identity Theft Protection

10 key benefits of using a VPN, according to experts

In today's interconnected world, online privacy and security are paramount concerns for individuals and businesses alike. This article explores the key benefits of using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on personal devices, drawing from expert insights. Discover how VPNs can protect your data, enhance your online freedom, and

Identity Theft Protection

What is identity theft insurance?

Learn how identity theft insurance works, what it covers, and why it’s vital for protecting your accounts and recovering from fraud and associated losses.

Credit Monitoring

How to build good credit

Hoping to improve your credit or curious about how to keep a good credit score once you’ve attained one? Here are some tips for how to build, maintain, and improve your credit.

Identity Theft Protection

Why is it important to have identity theft protection?

Learn about the importance of identity theft protection and how it can help protect assets in case of ID theft.

Identity Theft Protection

What to do if my driver’s license number is found on the dark web or stolen?

Reviewed by Mike Marcacci, Sr. VP of Engineering at OmniWatch Losing your driver's license can be a stressful and inconvenient experience. Beyond the hassle of replacing it, there's a significant risk of identity theft associated with a lost license. Below, we will review the steps you

Identity Theft Protection

What to do if my email is found on the dark web?

Reviewed by Mike Marcacci, Sr. VP of Engineering at OmniWatch Suffering a breach can be an overwhelming feeling. We're here to help guide you through the risks, what actions to take now, and how to keep yourself safe in the future. What is the Dark Web? The dark

Identity Theft Protection

What to do if my financial information is found on the dark web?

Reviewed by Mike Marcacci, Sr. VP of Engineering at OmniWatch Having your financial information stolen can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Thieves can use your financial information to make fraudulent purchases, take out loans, or damage your credit. It’s important to understand the risks associated with having your

Identity Theft Protection

How do I know if my identity has been stolen?

Reviewed by Mike Marcacci, Sr. VP of Engineering at OmniWatch If you have concerns about your identity being stolen, you should act immediately to secure your personal information and accounts. There are many ways for you to find out if someone stole your identity. These are some of the most

Identity Theft Protection

What to do if my name is found on the dark web?

Reviewed by Mike Marcacci, Sr. VP of Engineering at OmniWatch Suffering a breach can be an overwhelming feeling. We're here to help guide you through the potential risks, what steps you can take now, and how to help keep yourself safe in the future. It’s important to

Identity Theft Protection

How did my personal information end up on the dark web?

Reviewed by Mike Marcacci, Sr. VP of Engineering at OmniWatch What is the Dark Web? The dark web is a part of the internet that can only be accessed using special internet browsers, such as The Onion Router (TOR). It is an anonymous network where users can communicate and access

Stressed woman at laptop after a data breach, showing identity theft and dark web exposure risk.

Identity Theft Protection

How hackers sell personal data, and what happens to yours after a breach

When criminals steal personal data in a breach, their next step is almost always to sell it. This happens on dark web marketplaces, hidden corners of the internet accessible only through specialized software, where stolen information is bought and sold like any other commodity. Cybercriminals list data by type, volume,

Identity Theft Protection

What to do if my username is found on the dark web?

Reviewed by Mike Marcacci, Sr. VP of Engineering at OmniWatch What is the Dark Web? The dark web is a part of the internet that can only be accessed using special software, such as The Onion Router (TOR). It is an anonymous network where users can communicate and access websites

Identity Theft Protection

What to do if my Social Security number is found on the dark web?

Reviewed by Mike Marcacci, Sr. VP of Engineering at OmniWatch Having your Social Security number (SSN) stolen can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Your Social Security number is one of your most valuable pieces of personal information because it can be used by identity thieves to open up other

Protection for identity theft, scams, and losses banks won't cover