Synthetic-Identity New-Account Fraud
Criminals combine real and fake information — often a real SSN (sometimes a child's) with a made-up name — to create a 'synthetic' identity and open accounts, leaving victims and lenders on the hook.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
Synthetic identity fraud blends real data (frequently a stolen or unused Social Security number, sometimes a child's) with fabricated details to build a new 'person.' Criminals nurture this synthetic identity's credit, then open loans and cards and 'bust out' (max them and vanish). Victims — especially children whose SSNs are misused — may not discover it for years, when they're denied credit or contacted about debts they never incurred. Freezing your (and your children's) credit and monitoring for unfamiliar accounts are the defenses.
What it usually looks like
- Accounts or inquiries in your (or your child's) name that you didn't make.
- Credit denials or debt notices for a person who shouldn't have credit yet.
- Mail/collections for names similar to yours at your address.
- A child receiving pre-approved credit offers.
Common warning signs
- Unfamiliar accounts tied to your SSN.
- A child's SSN appearing on credit records.
- Debt or credit activity you can't explain.
- Denials due to a credit history you didn't create.
Example wording scammers use
“(You may see no message — just unexplained accounts, inquiries, or debt notices tied to your/your child's SSN.)”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- To build creditworthy synthetic identities using real SSNs.
- To open and 'bust out' loans and cards.
- To exploit unused/child SSNs.
What to do
- Freeze your credit — and your children's — with all three bureaus.
- Monitor your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts/inquiries.
- Protect SSNs (especially children's); don't share them unnecessarily.
- Check whether your child has a credit file (they shouldn't).
What to do if you already responded
- If your/your child's SSN is misused, use IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
- Place freezes/fraud alerts and dispute fraudulent accounts.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov and, as needed, the FBI.