Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH v13) — Question 139

A large organization is investigating a possible identity theft case where an attacker has created a new identity by combining multiple pieces of information from different victims to open a new bank account. The attacker also managed to receive government benefits using a fraudulent identity. Given the circumstances, which type of identity theft is the organization dealing with?

Answer options

• A. Identity Cloning and Concealment
• B. Child Identity Theft
• C. Social Identity Theft
• D. Synthetic Identity Theft

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is Synthetic Identity Theft, which occurs when someone creates a new identity using fragments of information from various individuals. The other options do not accurately describe this situation: Identity Cloning and Concealment involves duplicating someone's identity without their knowledge, Child Identity Theft pertains to the misuse of a minor's identity, and Social Identity Theft refers to the use of someone's personal information without their consent, but not in the synthetic manner described.