Debt.com Survey Shows U.S. Identity Theft Victims Jump to 78%, AI Fraud Concerns Hit 90%

Debt.com reported a sharp rise in identity theft across the United States, according to a press release. The company’s annual ID Theft Survey found that 78% of respondents had been victims of identity theft in 2025, up from 43% in 2024. Concern over AI-driven fraud also surged, with 90% of Americans expressing worry about scams powered by artificial intelligence.

The survey of 1,000 U.S. adults revealed that child identity theft is increasing rapidly. Sixty-one percent said a child or family member’s child had been victimized, compared with 23% the previous year. Many respondents reported feeling anxious about the long-term financial impact of these incidents.

Financial consequences have also intensified. Fifty-seven percent of victims said identity theft pushed them into debt, a sharp increase from 14% in 2024. Nearly one-quarter reported taking on more than $500 in fraudulent debt, while 61% said their credit scores dropped as a result.

Consumers are responding by adopting more protection measures. The survey found that 77% now use credit monitoring or identity theft protection services, up from 51% last year.