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Javelin Strategy & Research found that the number of new account fraud victims increased by 31% in 2025, rising from 4.2 million to 5.4 million.
This marked the sharpest increase among the fraud types the firm tracked, highlighting a growing threat that differs from traditional identity theft where criminals access existing bank or credit card accounts.
In new account fraud, criminals use personal information such as a name, Social Security number, or birthdate to open brand-new accounts in a victim's name.
These fraudulent accounts can include credit cards sent to unfamiliar addresses, phone or utility services with unknown providers, or buy now, pay later arrangements.
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