ID Thieves Can Spam, Target Devices
Unauthorized device access has surpassed scams as the top identity theft threat for adults aged 35-64, rising 78% year-over-year to 27.2% of cases, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center’s latest report. Experts attribute the shift to increased digital reliance, sophisticated phishing attacks, and the industrialization of fraud operations targeting devices as high-value entry points.
Unauthorized access to computers and mobile devices has become the primary identity theft threat for adults aged 35 to 64, surpassing traditional scams for the first time. The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), a San Diego-based nonprofit, reported a 78% year-over-year increase in device-related compromises, which now account for 27.2% of all identity theft cases. Data from 9,253 incidents involving 6,188 individuals—collected between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026—shows scams involving personal information sharing declined from 43.1% to 36.1% during the same period. Experts link the rise to the growing digital integration of daily life, including banking, healthcare, and communications, all accessed through connected devices. Paige Schaffer, CEO of Iris Powered by Generali, noted that devices now function as digital identities, storing credentials, session tokens, and behavioral patterns. Diana Rothfuss, director of global strategy at SAS, warned that compromised devices provide fraudsters with persistent access to financial accounts, emails, and social media. The shift reflects broader trends in fraud tactics, including more sophisticated phishing and social engineering attacks that mimic trusted sources. Maanas Godugunur, senior director for fraud and identity at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, emphasized that these attacks exploit increased digital reliance and expanding attack surfaces. Neha Narkhede, CEO of Oscilar, described the evolution of fraud operations, comparing them to corporate structures with specialized teams and refined scripts, making device hacking a preferred method for long-term access. Chris Boehm, CTO of Zero Networks, highlighted the role of automation in enabling fraudsters to scale attacks across multiple accounts. The ITRC report underscores the need for heightened awareness, as consumers remain vulnerable despite growing savviness against traditional scams. The data suggests a critical shift in how fraudsters operate, prioritizing device takeovers for ongoing exploitation over one-time scams.
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