Identity Theft Resource Center 2026 Consumer Impact Report: Scams inflict significant trauma compared to traditional identity theft

General consumer scam victims report thoughts of suicide at more than triple the rate of traditional identity theft victims (80.5% vs. 24.5%).

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Scams are having a major impact on people's lives in the United States, triggering acute emotional crises, life-changing financial losses and secondary revictimization, according to findings from the Identity Theft Resource Center's® 2026 Consumer Impact Report, released today and supported by Experian. The report goes beyond the basic financial implications of identity crimes and explores the lost opportunities as well as the emotional and physical impacts experienced by victims resulting from the crimes.