In today’s digital world, your personal information is more valuable than ever. With technology advancing rapidly, cybercriminals are becoming smarter and more strategic in their attacks. While many people worry about their money being stolen, what criminals really want is your identity — and they’re using it to fuel bigger scams.

Cybersecurity expert Sarunas Sereika, Senior Product Manager at Surfshark, shares why identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes and how you can protect yourself from falling victim.

Why Are Cybercriminals After Your Identity?

When people think about cybercrime, they often imagine stolen credit card details or bank account hacks. But criminals have their sights set on something far more profitable — your identity.

As the world becomes more technologically advanced, criminals get better on how to take advantage (**Getty Stock Image**)

According to Sereika, identity theft goes beyond simply taking your name:
“Personal data is being stolen, and that includes not only your name, but typically your credentials, emails, and financial data. That is actually identity theft, which could lead to further fraudulent transactions, financial losses, or simply emotional distress knowing that someone has taken your data.”

But why would a criminal want to steal your identity instead of just your money? The answer lies in how valuable and reusable personal information is. While a stolen bank card might only yield a few hundred dollars, stolen identities can be sold and reused multiple times on the dark web.

What Cybercriminals Can Do With Your Identity

With your personal details, criminals can:

Open new bank accounts or credit cards in your name
Take out loans or apply for government benefits
Create fake social media accounts to scam others
Rent properties or apply for jobs
File fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there were over 1.1 million reports of identity theft in the U.S. alone in 2023 — a number that continues to rise globally each year.

The Long-Term Threat of Identity Theft

One of the most terrifying aspects of identity theft is how long the damage can last. Even if you catch suspicious activity quickly, your stolen data could still be circulating on data breach websites or dark web marketplaces for years.

Criminals don’t just steal your information once — they sell it to other criminals, who can use it repeatedly. This means your personal information could be used to commit fraud long after you’ve changed your passwords or closed affected accounts.

According to a report by IBM Security, the average time it takes to detect and contain a data breach is 277 days — giving criminals nearly a year to exploit stolen data before you’re even aware.

How Cybercriminals Steal Your Identity

Cybercriminals have countless methods to steal your information — some are sophisticated, while others rely on human error.

1. Phishing Scams

Phishing emails and text messages are among the most common ways cybercriminals trick people into handing over sensitive information. These messages often impersonate trusted companies like banks, delivery services, or even Netflix, asking you to verify your account or update payment details.

Example: In 2023, Royal Mail customers in the UK were targeted by a massive phishing scam asking them to pay a small fee to release a parcel — a small request that led many victims to give away their credit card details.

2. Data Breaches

Major companies are constantly being targeted by hackers, and when they succeed, they can leak millions of customer records online. Your information could be exposed without you even realizing it.

Some of the biggest data breaches in recent years include:

Facebook — 533 million users affected
LinkedIn — 700 million users affected
Equifax — 147 million users affected

You can check if your data has been exposed using free tools like Have I Been Pwned.

3. Social Engineering

Social engineering is when criminals manipulate people into giving away personal information. They might pose as customer service representatives, family members, or even your boss — anything to gain your trust.

A popular scam is the “Hi Mum” WhatsApp scam, where criminals pretend to be your child or loved one asking for money urgently. These scams have tricked thousands of people globally.

4. Public Wi-Fi Attacks

Free public Wi-Fi might seem like a convenient way to stay connected, but it’s also a goldmine for hackers. Criminals can intercept your data on unsecured networks, including passwords and payment information.

If you must use public Wi-Fi, always connect through a VPN (Virtual Private Network) like Surfshark, which encrypts your internet traffic.

Cyber security expert Sarunas Sereika explained the simple steps you can take to reduce your chance of being a victim of cyberattacks (**UNILAD**)

What People Are Saying on Social Media

Identity theft is becoming a hot topic across social media platforms, with victims sharing their experiences and cybersecurity experts offering advice on how to stay protected. Here’s what people are saying:

1. Twitter Warnings

A recent post by cybersecurity advocate Jake Moore went viral on Twitter, warning users about the dangers of phishing scams disguised as delivery notifications:
👉 @JakeMooreUK’s Tweet on Phishing Scams

2. Instagram Awareness Campaigns

On Instagram, accounts like @CyberSafeHQ are educating followers on how to recognize suspicious messages:
👉 Check out this infographic on Phishing Red Flags by @CyberSafeHQ

3. Facebook Community Discussions

Facebook groups like Cybersecurity & Online Safety Tips are filled with users sharing stories of identity theft and offering advice on recovery:
👉 Join the discussion here: Cybersecurity & Online Safety Tips Facebook Group

4. TikTok Explainers

Even TikTok has become a platform for cybersecurity education. Videos from creators like @CyberExpert101 break down common scams in under 60 seconds:
👉 Watch the viral video on WhatsApp scams here: @CyberExpert101 TikTok Video

By following these accounts and engaging in conversations, you can stay updated on the latest threats and learn how to protect yourself.

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to protect your identity and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

1. Keep Your Software Updated

Always update your phone, laptop, and apps to the latest versions. Outdated software often contains security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

Sereika advises:
“At the very basic level, you have to keep your software up to date. Sometimes it means you need a newer phone, but keeping your software up to date eliminates any backdoors for hackers.”

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Using the same password across multiple accounts makes you an easy target. Instead, create complex passwords for each account and store them in a password manager like 1Password or LastPass.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection. Even if a hacker gets hold of your password, they won’t be able to access your account without your second verification code.

Most platforms like Google, Instagram, and Amazon offer 2FA — make sure you enable it wherever possible.

4. Be Wary of Suspicious Messages

If you receive an email or text asking for personal information, always double-check the sender’s email address or phone number. If you’re unsure, contact the company directly through their official website — never reply to the message or click on any links.

5. Limit What You Share on Social Media

The more information you share online, the easier it is for cybercriminals to piece together your identity. Avoid sharing your full birthdate, address, or vacation plans publicly.

What to Do If Your Identity Has Been Stolen

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to identity theft, don’t panic — but act fast.

Change all your passwords immediately
Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
Report any unauthorized transactions to your bank
Use Have I Been Pwned to check for compromised accounts
Report the fraud to your country’s cybercrime agency

In the UK, you can report identity theft to Action Fraud.

Final Thoughts: Stay One Step Ahead

Cybercrime is evolving every day — but so are the tools and knowledge to fight it. Protecting your identity might feel overwhelming, but by following these steps, you can dramatically reduce your risk of falling victim.

As Sarunas Sereika wisely says:
“If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images