Personal information theft is more common than many people realize, and it doesn’t always involve dramatic hacking incidents. In many cases, everyday data is quietly stolen, sold, or misused without immediate warning signs. Understanding which types of information are most frequently targeted can help you recognize risk earlier and take action faster.

Below are the categories of personal information most often stolen or misused in identity theft, fraud, and data breach cases.

Financial Information

Financial data is one of the most valuable targets for criminals because it can be used quickly and repeatedly.

Commonly stolen financial information includes:

• Credit and debit card numbers
• Bank account and routing numbers
• Online banking login credentials
• Credit card security codes and expiration dates

This information is often used to make unauthorized purchases, withdraw funds, open new lines of credit, or sell the data on illicit marketplaces.

Social Security Numbers (SSNs)

Social Security numbers are among the most dangerous pieces of stolen data because they are difficult to change and widely used for identity verification.

When an SSN is compromised, it can be used to:

• Open credit cards or loans
• File fraudulent tax returns
• Apply for government benefits
• Assume another person’s identity entirely

Because misuse may not be discovered immediately, SSN theft often causes long-term financial and credit damage.

Government-Issued Identification

Official identification documents are frequently stolen or misused, especially in cases involving physical theft or data breaches.

This includes:

• Driver’s license numbers
• State ID numbers
• Passport information

Criminals can use this information to bypass identity checks, create fake IDs, or support larger identity theft schemes.

Online Account Credentials

Usernames and passwords are commonly exposed through data breaches, phishing emails, and weak security practices.

Stolen login credentials may involve:

• Email accounts
• Social media profiles
• Online shopping accounts
• Financial or payment platforms

Once accessed, these accounts can be used to steal additional information, impersonate victims, or launch further scams.

Medical and Health Information

Medical identity theft is a growing concern and often goes unnoticed longer than financial fraud.

Stolen health information may include:

• Health insurance policy numbers
• Medical record details
• Prescription information

This data can be used to obtain medical services, prescription drugs, or submit fraudulent insurance claims—sometimes altering a victim’s medical history in the process.

Contact and Personal Details

While less valuable on their own, basic personal details are often combined with other stolen data to strengthen fraud attempts.

These details include:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Home address
• Phone number
• Email address

Even partial information can be enough to pass security questions or make phishing attempts more convincing.

Why This Information Is Targeted

Criminals typically look for information that can be:

• Monetized quickly
• Used to impersonate someone
• Combined with other data to bypass verification systems

In many cases, victims are unaware their information has been compromised until financial damage or credit issues appear.

What to Do If Your Personal Information Is Misused

If you believe any of your personal information has been stolen or misused, taking prompt action is critical. Addressing the issue early can limit damage and help prevent future misuse.

A consumer protection or identity theft attorney like Vullings Law Group, LLC can help you:

• Identify the source of misuse
• Dispute fraudulent accounts or charges
• Correct credit report errors
• Communicate with creditors and reporting agencies

Contact Vullings Law Group, LLC today for a consultation at no cost for help fixing credit report errors, identity theft help, and credit card disputes.