When you check your credit report, most people assume they know what they’re going to see. Their name, their Social Security number, and a brief overview of their credit history. You might be shocked to find that there is a name attached to the SSN that you’ve never heard before. It sounds like something out of a nightmare, and it can be.
It’s called synthetic identity fraud. Unlike traditional identity theft, criminals will mix real information (like your SSN) with fake names, addresses, birthdates, or other information. In essence, this created a brand-new identity. The credit profile looks real, but it belongs to someone who doesn’t actually exist. And it can really damage your credit. Here is what you need to know about this type of scam and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
