Ever been in a situation where you found your identity stolen? Did you ever find an identical account on social media, containing your contact details and address? If not, have you heard of crimes that were committed under false names?

This is what we call identity theft, or identity fraud. It is one of the most vicious crimes that is running since the beginning of the 21st century, in which another person steals your personal information, such as an ID number or a driver’s license, to impersonate someone you under false pretense.

Identity Theft risks

The details in your identification, allows the imposter to access your bank details while pretending that its you. In some situations, an imposter might provide false identification to police, creating a criminal record under your name, since it is easy to duplicate an ID under the same name.

Read also: Why Do We Need laws ?

The Two Main Ways of Account Turnover

There are two ways to commit identity theft and they are categorized as: true name and account takeover.

• True-name identity theft means the thief uses personal information to open new accounts either physical or online account.

The thief might open a new credit card account, establish cellular phone service or open a new checking account to obtain blank checks.

• Account-takeover identity theft is when the imposter uses your information to gain access to your existing accounts.

Typically, an identity thief will change the mailing address on an account and run up a huge bill before you realize there is a problem.

The internet has made it easier for anyone to use public information, since transactions can be made without any personal interaction and what is needed are typed-in details from autofill. As legal experts & lawyers in the UAE, we are aware of the high risk of exposing these information online. These crimes require a professional lawyer or a legal consultant to secure all rights in court, in all emirates.

Identity Theft: Understanding the Crime, Its Risks, and How to Protect Yourself

Have you ever discovered a fake social media account pretending to be you—complete with your name, photos, contact details, or even your address? Or perhaps you’ve heard of a friend who had their bank account drained after someone gained access to their personal details. Maybe you’ve read about serious crimes committed under false names, leaving innocent people to clear their reputations.

This is the dark reality of identity theft—also called identity fraud. It is one of the fastest-growing and most damaging crimes of the 21st century. At its core, identity theft occurs when an identity thief unlawfully obtains and uses your personal information—such as your ID number, passport, driver’s license, or bank account details—to impersonate you or commit fraud under your name. Unlike traditional theft, identity theft is often invisible, and its consequences can last for years.

The Growing Threat of Identity Theft

Identity theft has evolved alongside modern technology. What was once limited to physical theft of identification cards or forged signatures has now moved to the digital world. With the rise of online banking, e-commerce, and social media, criminals have more opportunities than ever to steal personal information.

An identity thief no longer needs to physically steal your wallet—they can gather enough data from hacked websites, phishing emails, or public social media posts. This has made the crime easier to commit but harder to detect.

Identity Theft Risks

The details in your identification—whether on an ID card, a passport, or even a utility bill—can give imposters access to sensitive accounts. Once an identity thief has your personal information, they may:

• Access your bank accounts and transfer money while posing as you.

• Apply for loans or credit cards in your name, leaving you with debts you never created.

• Provide false identification to law enforcement, creating a criminal record under your name.

• Use your health insurance information to obtain medical treatment or drugs illegally.

• Exploit your social media identity to scam friends, family, or business contacts.

The Two Main Ways Identity Theft Happens

Criminologists and cybersecurity experts generally categorize identity theft into two major types: true-name identity theft and account-takeover identity theft.

1. True-Name Identity Theft

In this case, the thief uses your personal details to create new accounts—either physical or digital. For example, an identity thief might:

• Open a new credit card account.

• Establish a cellular phone plan.

• Open a new checking account to issue blank checks.

• Register for online services using your details.

2. Account-Takeover Identity Theft

This form occurs when the imposter gains access to your existing accounts. Typically, an identity thief will:

• Change the mailing address on your bank account.

• Withdraw funds or make large purchases.

• Lock you out of your own accounts by changing passwords and contact information.

The Role of the Internet in Identity Fraud

The internet has revolutionized commerce, banking, and social interactions—but it has also become fertile ground for criminals. An identity thief only needs a few details—your name, address, or credit card number—to commit fraud. Many of these can be obtained from leaked databases or weakly secured websites.

Conclusion: Stay Aware, Stay Protected

Identity theft is one of the most vicious and fast-evolving crimes of the modern era. From banking fraud to social media impersonation, criminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit personal information. The best defense is awareness, vigilance, and legal support when necessary. If you fall victim to an identity thief, it is critical to act quickly—protect your accounts, report the crime, and seek professional legal advice to restore your reputation and rights.