Identity theft
The use of someone's personal information (SSN, name, date of birth) without authorisation to open accounts or take loans. Federal law gives victims tools to dispute, recover, and prevent further damage.
Full definition
Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information without permission to open credit accounts, take loans, or commit fraud in your name. If you discover identity theft: file a report at IdentityTheft.gov (FTC), file a police report, place a fraud alert or freeze with the three credit bureaus, dispute fraudulent accounts in writing with each lender and bureau, and request the fraudulent accounts be removed from your credit report. Federal law (Fair Credit Reporting Act and Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act) protects victims from liability for fraudulent debts.
- Written by
- Get Advance Loan Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Compliance Review
- Published
- January 15, 2026
- Last reviewed
- May 22, 2026
- Credit scoreA three-digit number (typically 300 to 850) summarising your credit history. Lenders use it to predict the likelihood you'll repay.
- FICO scoreFICO is the credit-scoring model used in roughly 90% of U.S. lending decisions. Scores range from 300 to 850.
- VantageScoreVantageScore is a competing credit-scoring model jointly developed by the three major credit bureaus. Also runs 300 to 850.
- Credit reportA record of your credit history maintained by the three U.S. credit bureaus. You're entitled to one free copy per year from each bureau.
- Soft credit inquiryA credit check that does not affect your credit score. Used for pre-qualification and rate-shopping.
- Hard credit inquiryA credit check that may lower your credit score a few points and remains on your credit report for up to 24 months.
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