What is a key characteristic of synthetic identity theft?

Synthetic identity theft is characterized by the creation of a new identity that combines both real and fictitious information. This often involves taking a real Social Security number (which may belong to a child or someone not actively using it) and merging it with fictitious personal details, such as a name, address, and date of birth.

This method is particularly appealing to criminals because it allows them to create a seemingly legitimate identity that can be used to open bank accounts, obtain credit cards, and make purchases, all while avoiding immediate detection. Unlike traditional identity theft, which relies on the outright stealing of someone's entire identity, synthetic identity theft creates a new, fabricated identity that can be difficult to trace back to the individual who originally owned the Social Security number.

In this context, it's essential to recognize how synthetic identity theft differs from other types, such as using solely fake information, stealing an entire identity, or only involving credit card fraud, as those do not encompass the broader tactic of blending real and fictitious details for deceptive purposes.