Introducing “Identity is Everywhere”: Why It’s Time to Rethink What Your Identity Really Means

By Eva Velasquez, CEO, Identity Theft Resource Center

For more than two decades, the Identity Theft Resource Center has stood on the front lines as the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to correcting and preventing identity crime. We’ve spent that time helping millions of people work through the aftermath of identity theft, from stolen Social Security numbers and financial fraud to breached accounts and beyond.

But what we mean when we say “identity” has changed since 1999. It’s no longer just the card in your wallet or your SSN. Today, identity shows up in more places than most people realize. We can no longer afford to view our identity through the narrow lens of static government documents.

Your identity includes your phone or tablet, your tax return, your medical records, your financial accounts, your benefits, your online credentials and your digital activity too. Identity theft can start anywhere. And it often does.

Every hour of every day, we leave pieces of who we are scattered across the real and online world. Many people don’t realize how many forms their identity takes, which means they don’t always know when part of it has been compromised or where to turn when it has been.

To bridge this gap, the ITRC is launching a comprehensive awareness initiative: “Identity is Everywhere.”

A Multi-Year Roadmap from Awareness to Action

Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice – Office for Victims of Crime, this campaign is designed to help transform how people interact with their personal information:

• Phase 1 (Discovery): We are focused on opening eyes. Through social media, short videos and educational tools, we’ll help people see all the ways identity shows up in their daily lives and all the ways it can be targeted.
• Phase 2 (Defense): We’ll turn that awareness into action. Through practical tools and real-world scam breakdowns, we’ll show you what to watch for and what you can do to protect yourself.
• Phase 3 (Partnership): We want everyone to know, before something happens and after, that they don’t have to face identity crime alone.

Our Promise: Illuminating, Not Alarming

We know that discussing cyberthreats and data tracking can easily feel overwhelming or jargon-heavy. That is exactly what this campaign is not. The “Identity is Everywhere” campaign is built to be a knowledgeable, conversational and deeply empowering resource. Our goal is to give you clear, practical steps so you feel in control of your identity.

Identity is everywhere. And while the threats are real, so is the support available to you. The ITRC is here to help you see your footprint, protect your data and recover your peace of mind when things go sideways.

We invite you to explore our new campaign elements as we break down the modern elements of identity. Together, we can build a world where no one can use your identity but you. That’s our vision as an organization. Our mission – to prevent and reduce the impact of identity theft, scams and fraud – also means that you are not alone. We are here to get you the information and help you need.

To learn more about the campaign or to access our free victim assistance and identity protection tools, explore our resource tabs or contact an ITRC advisor directly.

This product was supported by grant number 15POVC-25-GK-00737-NONF, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this product are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.