Missouri – Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says that identity theft is on the rise at an alarming rate, and she is urging people in Missouri to stay aware. The Attorney General’s Office is raising awareness about the growing threats to consumers and giving advice on how to avoid and deal with this crime during Identity Theft Awareness Week, which runs from January 26 to January 30, 2026.
Hanaway added that identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country and affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
“The Missouri Attorney General’s Office continues working to safeguard Missourians from identity theft,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “We are here to help you prevent the theft of your identity and, should you need it, we are here to guide you through the actions you should take to repair the damage caused by identity theft.”
When someone takes or uses another person’s personal information without permission, including their name, Social Security number, credit card number, or driver’s license number, that is identity theft. A lot of the time, criminals use that information to get credit, use services, get benefits, or commit fraud by pretending to be someone else or making up a fake identity.
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The Attorney General’s Office says that identity theft can happen in a lot of different ways. One of the most common types of identity theft is financial identity theft, which includes stealing credit cards, bank account data, or making fake loans and purchases.
When someone steals your medical identity, they can leave you with invoices or collection notices for services you never got and change your medical records. Insurance identity theft, which is typically connected to medical or financial wrongdoing, can make it harder to get coverage or raise your premiums.
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These crimes can happen to children too. When someone uses a child’s Social Security number to open accounts, get benefits, or get housing and utilities, that’s called child identity theft. As more youngsters play games and use social media online, the risk has grown. This makes it vital for parents to keep an eye on what their children are doing online and check their credit history.
Another type is driver’s license identity theft, which can cause traffic offenses to show up on an innocent person’s record. Social Security identity theft is when a stolen SSN is sold and used by more than one criminal. When an impostor gives the police or investigators another person’s details during an arrest or investigation, it can lead to false warrants or accusations. This is when identity theft becomes criminal in nature.
The Attorney General’s Office runs a Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222 to help victims. Trained advocates assist people spot identity theft, take steps to protect themselves immediately, and submit reports with the police, the Federal Trade Commission, and state agencies. Hanaway says that anyone who thinks their personal information has been misused should report it as soon as possible because acting quickly can help limit long-term damage.
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The Attorney General’s Office continues to look into and prosecuting fraud and deception in Missouri. They want to hold those who break the law accountable while also helping victims heal and stop future crimes.
IMPORTANT LINKS
- Identity Theft Complaint Form (file with Attorney General’s Office)
- Identity Theft Incident Report (file with local police)
- FTC Consumer Complaint (submit online to the Federal Trade Commission)
