The 5 Most Common Ways Thieves Steal Your Personal Information

Identity theft often sneaks up in the most ordinary ways. Maybe it starts with a credit card bill for purchases you never made, or a debt collector’s call about an account you didn’t open. These situations are all too common, with Florida ranking among the nation’s leaders in fraud reports. To protect yourself, it helps to understand the five most common ways thieves steal your personal information – and the steps you can take to fight back.

1. Phishing Scams

Think of phishing as a con job arriving in your inbox or on your phone. Criminals pose as legitimate companies – banks, online stores, even tech support – and try to lure you into clicking a link or providing details like passwords or account numbers.

In recent years, phishing has expanded well beyond suspicious emails. Text messages promising gift cards, pop-up warnings about computer viruses, or fake shipping updates are now just as common. Around tax season, some scammers even impersonate the IRS to push you into sharing personal data. However it's delivered, the goal is simple: to convince you to hand over information meant to stay private.

How to protect yourself:

• Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown senders.

• Verify messages by contacting the company directly using the phone number on your bill or credit card.

• Be especially cautious in Florida after hurricanes, when fake FEMA and contractor notices often circulate.

2. Data Breaches (Hacked Databases)

Even if you never fall for a scam, your data may be stolen in a breach at a retailer, hospital, or government agency. Suddenly, your name, address, and account numbers are in the hands of criminals.

Modern breaches often expose millions of records in one strike. Even trusted organizations like hospitals, retailers, and schools have been targeted, leaving names, addresses, and Social Security numbers up for grabs. What makes breaches especially dangerous is stolen data may sit on the dark web for years, resurfacing long after the original hack to fuel new scams and fraud.

How to protect yourself:

• Use unique passwords for each account so a single leak doesn’t expose everything.

• Take advantage of credit monitoring services, fraud alerts, and the ability to freeze your credit report.

• Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for charges you don’t recognize.

3. Skimming, Card Capture & Wireless Readers

Criminals install hidden devices on ATMs, gas pumps, or checkout terminals to copy your card data. These skimmers are cleverly designed to blend in, often paired with pinhole cameras or keypad overlays to capture your PIN and give thieves full access to your account. Skimming remains one of the most common ways thieves steal your personal information, especially at busy fueling stations along major highways and interstate exits.

Criminals also use handheld devices to exploit RFID (radio frequency identification) and NFC (near field communication) technology – the same signals your contactless credit card or key fob use.

Standing just a few inches away in a crowded place – like outside a grocery store – a thief may try to “read” the chip’s radio signal to make fraudulent purchases or even attempt to unlock vehicles. The good news: a simple RFID-blocking sleeve or wallet prevents this, and most modern payment systems also limit what data is transmitted to reduce risk.

How to protect yourself:

• Use chip-enabled cards or contactless payments whenever possible – they’re harder to clone than magnetic strips.

• Inspect card readers before swiping. If something looks loose or unusual, don’t use it.

• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

• Store key fobs and contactless credit cards in an RFID-blocking sleeve or wallet to stop wireless skimming.

4. Mail Theft & Dumpster Diving

Not all identity thieves hide behind screens – some go straight for your mail or even your trash. Pre-approved credit card offers, tax forms, and utility bills can contain enough details to open accounts in your name. Around tax season and the holidays, when paperwork piles up, the risk grows. Some criminals even dig through recycling bins or storm debris in search of overlooked documents.

How to protect yourself:

• Shred old bills, financial records, and credit card offers before tossing them.

• Keep sensitive paperwork out of curbside bins until pickup day.

• If you’re traveling, use USPS Hold Mail Service so nothing stacks up in your box.

• Consider signing up for USPS Informed Delivery – the daily preview makes it easier to spot when something goes missing. 

5. In-Person Deception (‘Social Engineering’)

Sometimes criminals simply ask. A scammer might pose as a utility worker, contractor, or even an insurance representative to get you to “confirm” sensitive details.

These scams succeed because they rely on trust and urgency. A criminal might show up in a uniform or claim to be with your utility company, insisting they need to “verify” your information. After hurricanes, Florida residents often encounter fake contractors or repair crews going door-to-door, pressuring homeowners to hand over details criminals later use for fraud.

How to protect yourself:

• Never give personal information to unexpected callers or visitors.

• Verify credentials independently before providing any details.

• If you feel pressured, stop the conversation – legitimate companies will understand.

What Happens If Identity Theft Prevention Fails?

Knowing the most common ways thieves steal your personal information helps, yet breaches and scams can still occur. If your information is exposed through a breach or scam, you could spend months repairing the damage on your own.

This is where Edison Insurance Company can help. Our affordable identity theft insurance can be added to your homeowners policy. It provides:

• A dedicated fraud specialist to guide you through recovery.

• Up to $25,000 in reimbursed expenses, including attorney fees and lost wages.

• Assistance with credit monitoring and repair until your record is restored.

Think of it as backup for when even the best habits aren’t enough. While you focus on daily life, we’ll focus on helping you reclaim your good name.

Florida Homeowners: Be Proactive About Identity Theft

With identity theft reports climbing and Florida ranking high in fraud cases, awareness matters. Knowing the top five ways thieves steal your personal information arms you with the knowledge to shut down common scams. Adding identity theft coverage from Edison Insurance Company gives you an ally if fraud still finds its way through.

Identity theft can drain more than your bank account – it can drain your time, energy, and peace of mind. Edison’s identity theft coverage, available as an add-on to your homeowners policy, gives you an ally when you need one most. Talk to your agent today about how easy it is to include this protection in your policy.

New to Edison? Explore your coverage options and see how we can help protect both your home and your good name.

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