Increasing Identity Theft Trends in the U.S.

The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023 reveals a concerning rise in identity theft, with 1,036,903 reports filed nationwide. Credit card fraud continues to dominate these cases, accounting for 416,582 reports—or nearly 40% of all identity theft instances. 

The financial toll of identity theft totaled a staggering $10 billion in reported losses from fraud in 2023, with a median loss of $500 per fraud report.

Georgia and Florida consistently rank among the states with the highest per capita identity theft rates, driven by large urban populations and the extensive use of online financial services. 

Government-related fraud, such as benefits applications, tax scams, and forged documents, increased by 82% from the previous year. While younger individuals report fewer cases of identity theft, older adults face much higher financial losses per incident. 

This study illuminates state-by-state prevalence, demographic patterns, and the role of digital vulnerabilities, offering important insights for consumers and policymakers.

Top 10 Types of Fraud in the U.S.

The Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023 outlines the most prevalent fraud categories reported in the U.S., with details on financial losses. Below are the top 10 fraud types:

1. Imposter Scams

• Total reports: 853,935
• Total losses: $2.668 billion

2. Online Shopping and Negative Reviews

• Total reports: 368,379
• Total losses: $392 million

3. Prizes, Sweepstakes, and Lotteries

• Total reports: 157,520
• Total losses: $338 million

4. Investment-Related Fraud

• Total reports: 107,699
• Total losses: $4.642 billion

5. Business and Job Opportunities

• Total reports: 107,134
• Total losses: $491 million

6. Internet Services

• Total reports: 98,717
• Total losses: $36 million

7. Telephone and Mobile Services

• Total reports: 94,261
• Total losses: $19 million

8. Health Care Fraud

• Total reports: 71,518
• Total losses: $17 million

9. Travel, Vacations, and Timeshare Plans

• Total reports: 55,063
• Total losses: $122 million

10. Foreign Money Offers and Fake Check Scams

• Total reports: 32,164
• Total losses: $138 million

Types of Identity Theft in 2023

Below are the top seven identity theft categories based on the number of reports:

1. Credit Card Fraud: 416,582 reports
2. Other Identity Theft: 260,734 reports
3. Loan or Lease Fraud: 149,771 reports 
4. Bank Account Fraud: 136,778 reports
5. Government Documents or Benefits Fraud: 96,951 reports
6. Employment or Tax–Related Fraud: 89,465 reports
7. Phone or Utilities Fraud: 79,722 reports

Top 10 States With the Highest Identity Theft Rates

The Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023 identifies the states with the highest rates of identity theft in the U.S., measured by reports per 100,000 residents. Below are the top 10 states:

1. Georgia

• Total reports: 48,606
• Identity theft reports per capita (100,000): 457

2. Florida

• Total reports: 93,547
• Identity theft reports per capita (100,000): 438

3. Nevada

• Total reports: 12,362
• Identity theft reports per capita (100,000): 404

4. Connecticut

• Total reports: 13,848
• Identity theft reports per capita (100,000): 384

5. Delaware

• Total reports: 3,523
• Identity theft reports per capita (100,000): 359

6. Massachusetts

• Total reports: 24,540
• Identity theft reports per capita (100,000): 351

7. Texas

• Total reports: 101,002
• Identity theft reports per capita (100,000): 350

8. Pennsylvania

• Total reports: 40,778
• Identity theft reports per capita (100,000): 314

9. Illinois

• Total reports: 39,314
• Identity theft reports per capita (100,000): 307

10. California

• • Total reports: 119,929
  • Identity theft reports per capita (100,000): 304

Age Groups Most Affected by Identity Theft

Identity theft impacted various age groups in 2023. Below are the key statistics on reports and financial losses by age group:

• • • Age 19 and Under
      • Reports: 157,908 (14%)
      • Total losses: $450 million
    • Age 20–29
      • Reports: 201,519 (18%)
      • Total losses: $840 million
    • Age 30–39
      • Reports: 175,402 (16%)
      • Total losses: $884 million
    • Age 40–49
      • Reports: 168,166 (15%)
      • Total losses: $863 million
    • Age 50–59
      • Reports: 199,453 (18%)
      • Total losses: $980 million
    • Age 60–69
      • Reports: 144,461 (13%)
      • Total losses: $700 million
    • Age 70–79
      • Reports: 28,965 (3%)
      • Total losses: $244 million
    • Age 80 and Over
      • Reports: 48,478 (4%)
      • Total losses: $56 million

While younger adults (aged 20-29) report the highest number of identity theft cases, individuals aged 50-59 bear the greatest financial losses. Despite reporting fewer cases, older adults face significant vulnerabilities in terms of financial impact, with total losses nearing $1 billion.

Top 10 Types of Fraud in Georgia

The Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023 outlines the most common fraud categories reported in Georgia. Below are the top 10 fraud types ranked by frequency:

• • 1. Credit Bureaus, Information Furnishers, and Report Users: 25% of all fraud reports
    2. Identity Theft: 23% of all fraud reports
    3. Imposter Scams: 9% of all fraud reports
    4. Banks and Lenders: 5% of all fraud reports
    5. Online Shopping and Negative Reviews: 4% of all fraud reports
    6. Debt Collection: 4% of all fraud reports
    7. Auto–Related Fraud: 4% of all fraud reports
    8. Prizes, Sweepstakes, and Lotteries: 2% of all fraud reports
    9. Credit Cards and Loss Protection: 2% of all fraud reports
    10. Internet Services: 2% of all fraud reports

Credit bureaus and identity theft dominate the fraud landscape in Georgia, together accounting for nearly half of all fraud reports. Imposter scams and fraud in financial services also remain significant concerns for consumers in the state.

Identity Theft Statistic in Georgia

With a total of 48,606 reported incidents of identity theft, Georgia leads the country for this type of fraud. Specifically, identity theft occurs in the following ways across the state:

• • 1. Credit Card Fraud: 44% of identity theft reports
    2. Other Identity Theft: 36% of identity theft reports
    3. Loan or Lease Fraud: 21% of identity theft reports
    4. Phone or Utilities Fraud: 8% of identity theft reports
    5. Bank Account Fraud: 7% of identity theft reports

Top 10 Types of Fraud in Florida

The Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023 outlines the most common fraud types reported in Florida. Below are the top 10 types ranked by frequency:

• • 1. Credit Bureaus, Information Furnishers, and Report Users: 23% of all fraud reports
    2. Identity Theft: 22% of all fraud reports
    3. Imposter Scams: 11% of all fraud reports
    4. Online Shopping and Negative Reviews: 5% of all fraud reports
    5. Banks and Lenders: 5% of all fraud reports
    6. Auto–Related Fraud: 3% of all fraud reports
    7. Debt Collection: 3% of all fraud reports
    8. Prizes, Sweepstakes, and Lotteries: 3% of all fraud reports
    9. Credit Cards and Loss Protection: 2% of all fraud reports
    10. Health Care Fraud: 2% of all fraud reports

Identity Theft Statistic in Florida

With a total of 93,547 incidents of identity theft reported, Florida comes in second in the country for reports per 100K population. Below are the top five methods of identity theft in the state: 

• • 1. Credit Card Fraud: 52% of identity theft reports
    2. Other Identity Theft: 27% of identity theft reports
    3. Loan or Lease Fraud: 17% of identity theft reports
    4. Bank Account Fraud: 8% of identity theft reports
    5. Phone or Utilities Fraud: 7% of identity theft reports

Prevention Is Key to Reducing Identity Theft

With identity theft cases exceeding one million and financial losses hitting $10 billion, the study underscores the urgent need for fraud prevention. Significant spikes in government-related identity theft further highlight the evolving risks consumers face. 

With data breaches and online financial transactions fueling these trends, the FTC recommends that consumers regularly monitor their credit reports and remain vigilant against fraud.

At Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers and Atlanta criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to helping clients.