Synthetic fraud is a form of identity theft where the fraudster combines both real and fake information to create a new identity. Instead of getting most or all personal and financial information to steal an identity and money, synthetic fraud only requires one piece of information, like a Social Security number. 

Business email compromise (BEC) attacks are a form of cybercrime that uses email fraud to attack organizations. In 2020, the FBI (through IC3.gov) received 19,369 BEC/EAC complaints with adjusted losses of over $1.8 billion.

Ransomware is a type of malware that threatens to publish the victim's personal data or perpetually block access to it unless a ransom is paid.

A money mule is someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money on behalf of someone else.

Account takeover is a type of cybercrime or identity theft where a malicious third party gains access to (or “takes over”) an online account, such as an e-mail address, bank account, or social media profile.

Consumer Protection Data Spotlight (Federal Trade Commission)

• Top Scams of 2024

Synthetic Identity Fraud Mitigation Toolkit (Federal Reserve)

• Synthetic Identity Fraud Mitigation Toolkit

Cybersecurity for Small Business (Federal Trade Commission)

• Protect Your Small Business - Learn the Basics of Cybersecurity

FBI Resources

• 2023 Internet Crime Report from IC3
• Common Fraud Schemes
• Major White Collar Crime Threats and Schemes

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

• FinCEN Alert of Nationwide Surge in Mail-Theft Related Check Fraud Schemes Targeting the U.S. Mail