Synthetic identity
A synthetic identity is a fabricated persona — often combining real stolen data with AI-generated details, documents, photographs, or voice — used to pass as a genuine person.
How to recognise
Unlike simple identity theft, which copies one real person, a synthetic identity stitches together a believable new "someone" who can open accounts, pass verification checks, apply for jobs, or sustain a long-running scam. Generative AI has made these personas far more convincing, supplying realistic profile photos, consistent backstories, fabricated credentials and even live voice or video for interviews.
The threat ranges from financial fraud to infiltration: state-linked operations have used synthetic identities to get hired into Western companies, and investment-fraud rings use them to staff fake platforms and testimonials. The defence is layered verification that pairs identity documents with independent checks rather than trusting any single credential.