Attempted Identity Theft Is Still a Threat—Here’s What to Do Next

July 22, 2025

Attempted Identity Theft Is Still a Threat—Here’s What to Do Next

A failed attempt to steal your identity may feel like a close call—but legally and financially, it’s still an urgent warning. Whether the fraud was blocked by a lender, rejected through security protocols, or caught by a credit alert, an attempted identity theft is a sign that your personal data is already in circulation. According to Petroff Amshen LLP, the next steps matter just as much as they would in a completed attack.

What Happens After an Identity Theft Attempt?

When a fraudster tries to use your personal information—Social Security number, date of birth, or credit file—to open a new account or access credit, even if the system stops it, the breach is real. In most cases, this activity surfaces through a credit monitoring alert or during a routine Identity Theft Credit Report review.

But here’s the key: just because the attempt failed doesn’t mean the risk is over. On the contrary, it’s often a sign that more attempts will follow.

“An attempted identity theft is like someone trying to break into your home—and failing. You wouldn’t ignore the broken lock,” said Serge F. Petroff, Founding Partner of Petroff Amshen LLP. “You’d reinforce the door and take action. That’s the mindset people need to have when their identity is compromised.”

What You Should Do Next: Identity Theft Check and Documentation

The first step after spotting suspicious activity is conducting a full Identity Theft Check, including:

Reviewing your Identity Theft Credit Report across all three major bureaus

Looking for unfamiliar inquiries or account openings

Checking for newly added addresses or phone numbers

Documenting the attempted misuse for future reference

Attempted fraud is often a test run. Cybercriminals may try small, quick access points to see if a consumer is vulnerable before launching a full-scale attack—such as applying for loans, opening credit cards, or requesting benefits under a stolen identity.

“The earlier you act, the more control you keep over your credit profile and legal standing.”

Why Early Awareness Still Matters

Many people assume that acting is only necessary once financial harm has occurred—but the reality is more nuanced. An attempted identity theft signals that personal information has already been compromised, and without early steps to document, monitor, and respond, a future breach may be harder to detect or control.

Consumers are encouraged to treat these warning signs seriously. That includes reviewing recent activity across all credit bureaus, contacting relevant financial institutions, and considering protective actions such as placing fraud alerts or freezing credit.

“The first sign of identity misuse shouldn’t be ignored,” said Mr. Petroff. “The earlier you act, the more control you keep over your credit profile and legal standing.”

Understanding your rights under federal and state consumer protection laws—before damage occurs—can make a significant difference in how well and how quickly your identity is secured.

The Threat Is Growing—and It’s Closer Than You Think

Attempted identity theft is no longer a rare event—it’s part of a broader pattern that’s becoming more aggressive and more local. Nationally, identity theft reports have jumped across all major categories:

Credit Card Identity Theft soared from 101,461 cases in Q1 2024 to 151,608 in Q1 2025

Loan or Lease Identity Theft rose from 44,184 to 56,724 cases

Bank Account Identity Theft edged up from 30,388 to 31,080 reports

But these are not just national headlines—they’re happening across New York and New Jersey with alarming frequency.

In New York, 18,668 cases were reported in Q1 2025—a sharp rise that translates to 74 incidents per 100,000 residents. Most of these involved:

Credit Card Identity Theft: 8,898 cases

Loan or Lease Fraud: 2,410 cases

Bank Account Abuse: 1,560 cases

Meanwhile, New Jersey saw its own spike, with reports climbing from 6,578 in Q1 2024 to 9,235 in Q1 2025. That’s a jump to 100 reports per 100,000 people, led by:

Credit Card Identity Theft: 4,446 cases (up from 2,780)

Loan or Lease Identity Theft: 1,214 cases (up from 882)

Bank Account Identity Theft: 769 cases (up from 731)

These numbers tell a clear story: even when identity theft doesn’t succeed, the attempt alone is a warning. And in states like New York and New Jersey, those warnings are growing louder with each quarter.

Protect Yourself by Paying Attention to the First Signs

At Petroff Amshen LLP, the message is clear: if someone has tried to use your identity, that’s not a one time attack—more could be on the way. Awareness, documentation, and knowing your legal protections are your best tools for stopping it before it causes real harm.

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