Bolt Introduces Bolt ID to Combat Synthetic Identity Fraud in E-Commerce

Bolt has introduced Bolt ID, a network identity system aimed at reducing synthetic identity fraud and account takeover risks, announced in a press release. The system operates across Bolt’s checkout network, verifying device possession and connecting identity signals to confirm that a real person is behind each purchase.

Bolt ID uses one-time passwords or passkeys to confirm that the device used during checkout belongs to the person associated with a known email. This helps block synthetic profiles that rely on stolen personal information but lack control of the victim’s device. The system also allows verified shoppers to reuse delivery and contact information from prior transactions, reducing the risk of manipulated address entries.

If a user chooses not to verify their device, the purchase can still proceed but is marked as higher risk. Bolt will notify shoppers if their information is used without verification. The company stated that Bolt ID aligns with privacy and consumer protection standards, using collected data solely for fraud prevention rather than marketing or personalization.

The launch comes as synthetic identity fraud is projected to cause $35 billion in global losses in 2025, highlighting the growing need for stronger identity verification measures in e-commerce.