How to Protect Your Identity Online in 2025 – and What to Do if It's Stolen

In today’s hyper-connected world, your digital identity is more valuable than ever—and more vulnerable. 

From artificial intelligence deepfakes to data breaches and phishing scams, the ways criminals can access and abuse your personal information are evolving fast. 

In fact, in 2024 alone, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 1.1 million reports of identity theft, a number expected to rise in 2025.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating identity theft can be, from drained bank accounts and wrecked credit scores to emotional distress and even wrongful criminal charges. That’s why we’re committed to helping you understand how to protect yourself and what legal options you have if your identity is stolen or someone tries to scam you.

The Evolving Threat of Identity Theft in 2025

Cybercriminals are more sophisticated than ever. They exploit technological advancements as quickly as they emerge. In 2025, here are some of the most common and dangerous threats:

AI-Generated Scams

With generative AI tools, scammers can create voice clones of your loved ones, deepfake videos, or convincingly human chatbots, all designed to manipulate you. These scams can trick you into revealing passwords, clicking malicious links, or even wiring money to a fake relative in distress.

Phishing Attacks 2.0

Gone are the days of poorly written emails from “Nigerian princes.” Today’s phishing emails are polished, localized, and incredibly persuasive. They may even include details scraped from your social media accounts to seem more believable.

Data Breaches from Trusted Sources

Even companies you trust—your bank, your health provider, your online retailers—can fall victim to cyberattacks due to lax security measures. If their systems are compromised, your personal data could be exposed.

Mobile and App-Based Tracking

Some apps harvest more data than you realize. Even flashlight or wallpaper apps can request access to your contacts, camera, and location. In 2025, poor app security remains a significant risk.

Public Wi-Fi Exploits

Despite increased awareness, many people still use public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks like logging into their bank account. Hackers can easily intercept this data on unsecured networks.

So how do you fight back? Here are five practical steps to protect yourself and your identity in today’s digital age.

5 Ways to Protect Your Identity Online in 2025

1. Use a Password Manager and Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Reusing passwords is one of the biggest mistakes people make. If one account is hacked, every other account with that same password is now compromised.

What to do:

• Use a reputable password manager (like 1Password or Bitwarden) to create and store strong, unique passwords for every account.
• Always enable 2FA, ideally using an authentication app rather than SMS (which can be intercepted).
• Avoid password autofill in your browser—it’s a common target for malware.
• Update your passwords every 6–12 months and monitor data breaches using sites like haveibeenpwned.com.

2. Lock Down Your Social Media Profiles

Cybercriminals can build detailed profiles of you using your public social media posts—including pet names (a common security question), children’s birthdays, and even vacation dates (which signal an empty house or distracted user).

What to do:

• Set your social media profiles to private.
• Avoid posting personally identifiable information (PII).
• Don’t share photos of your ID, vaccine card, boarding pass, or anything that contains a barcode or personal data.
• Be wary of viral “question games” that ask about your first car, school mascot, or favorite color. Many of these mimic common security questions.
• Periodically audit your friends and followers and remove anyone you don’t know personally.

3. Monitor Your Credit and Use Identity Theft Protection Tools

Early detection is your best defense. If someone tries to open a credit card or loan in your name, you want to know immediately.

What to do:

• Use free tools like Credit Karma, Experian, or Mint to monitor your credit.
• Consider freezing your credit with Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian to prevent unauthorized accounts.
• Invest in identity theft protection services (like LifeLock, Aura, or Identity Guard) that alert you to suspicious activity and offer recovery assistance.
• Request a free credit report once a week from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com.

4. Be Cautious With Public Wi-Fi and Unknown Devices

Public Wi-Fi is one of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to eavesdrop on your activity, especially if you're logging into email, social media, or banking apps.

What to do:

• Use a virtual private network (VPN) when on public Wi-Fi.
• Avoid logging into sensitive accounts or entering personal information unless you’re on a trusted, encrypted connection.
• Don’t plug unknown USB devices or chargers into your phone or laptop.
• Use your phone’s hotspot instead of public Wi-Fi if you're in a pinch.

5. Be Skeptical of Emails, Texts, and Calls Asking for Info

In 2025, phishing messages are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. They often look like alerts from your bank, delivery notifications, or even urgent requests from a coworker.

What to do:

• Never click links or download attachments from unknown or unexpected sources.
• Verify the sender by contacting the company directly using a known number or website.
• Don’t provide personal information over the phone or via text unless you initiated the contact.
• Scammers often create fake websites that look nearly identical to real ones. Always check the URL before entering information.

What to Do if Your Identity Is Stolen

Even with all the right precautions, identity theft can still happen. If it does, it’s important to act quickly and methodically. Here’s what to do:

1. Report the Theft to the FTC

Go to IdentityTheft.gov to file a report. They’ll provide a recovery plan, including sample letters to send to credit bureaus and businesses.

2. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze

Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This makes it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name.

3. Contact Your Bank, Credit Card Issuers, and Lenders

Let them know your identity has been compromised. They may close accounts, issue new cards, or flag your accounts for suspicious activity.

4. File a Police Report

This step is especially important if your identity was used to commit a crime, apply for government benefits, or open financial accounts. Get a copy of the report for your records.

5. Keep Records of Everything

Document every step you take—every phone call, report, and letter. These records will help if you pursue legal action or need to dispute unauthorized charges.

Can You Sue Someone for Trying to Scam You?

The short answer? It depends. Attempted scams are often criminal but not always grounds for a civil suit. Many scams fall under criminal law. For example:

• Wire fraud
• Impersonation
• Identity theft
• Computer crimes
  
   

Law enforcement can investigate these crimes, and offenders can be charged, fined, and even imprisoned. However, to bring a civil lawsuit, you typically must prove:

• The scammer caused you measurable harm (like financial loss or damage to your credit).
• You can identify and locate the individual responsible.
• You can prove their intent and actions with clear evidence.
  
   

Who you can sue:

• The individual scammer (if you know who they are).
• Companies that were negligent in securing your data.
• Banks or credit card issuers that failed to act on red flags.
• Employers or vendors that mishandled your personal information.
  
   

Potential legal claims include:

• Negligence
• Breach of fiduciary duty
• Violation of consumer protection laws
• Invasion of privacy
• Emotional distress (in some cases)

If your identity was stolen due to a company’s poor data practices or a scammer drained your account because a financial institution didn’t act in time, you may have a legal case.

Morgan & Morgan Can Help

In 2025, protecting your identity online isn’t just about avoiding annoying spam or keeping your inbox clean; it’s about safeguarding your finances, your reputation, and your peace of mind. 

Cybercriminals are getting smarter, but so are we. By following the tips in this guide, staying informed, and taking action when needed, you can reduce your risk of identity theft dramatically.

And if the worst happens?

Morgan & Morgan is here to help.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve represented countless clients in identity theft and consumer protection cases. Whether you were scammed out of money, had your Social Security number misused, or your credit was destroyed due to negligence, we can help you pursue justice.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.