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What Is Synthetic Identity Fraud?

Synthetic identity fraud is one of the fastest-growing types of identity crime. Unlike traditional identity theft — where a real person’s identity is stolen — synthetic fraud involves creating an entirely new identity using a mixture of real and fake details.

These fabricated identities are then used to open accounts, access services, apply for credit, or commit financial crime.

How synthetic identities are created

Fraudsters create a synthetic identity by combining:

  • A real detail (such as a date of birth or address)
  • Fake details (such as names, phone numbers or photos)
  • Falsified documents or deepfakes
  • AI-generated identities that don’t belong to any real person

Unlike stolen identities, synthetic identities may not match any existing individual, making them harder to detect.

Why synthetic identity fraud is dangerous

Synthetic identities can be used to:

  • Open bank accounts
  • Secure loans or credit
  • Launder money
  • Access legal or property transactions
  • Commit fraud without immediately alerting victims

Because the identity is partly real and partly fake, many systems cannot match it to existing records — allowing fraudsters to slip through weak checks.

How INMYNAMEKYC prevents synthetic identity fraud

We protect against synthetic identity attempts by:

1. Verifying real documents and security features

Document checks analyse holograms, fonts, chip data, photograph integrity and other indicators.

2. Matching your details across trusted sources

Your name, date of birth and address are validated through secure data sources (silent checks), helping identify fabricated combinations.

3. Using advanced biometric verification

Deepfake detection and liveness checks confirm that a real person is present.

4. Comparing information for consistency

If details don’t align — or appear unusually structured — the system automatically flags the attempt for manual review.

Why accurate information matters

During onboarding, ensure your:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Document details

are entered exactly as shown on your official ID.
Any mismatches can trigger additional checks — especially where synthetic patterns resemble attempted fraud.

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