Identity Theft in Alabama: 2024 by the Numbers

 Identity theft continues to plague consumers across the U.S., and Alabama is no exception. According to FTC data, in 2024 there were 13,596 identity theft reports filed in Alabama—equating to about 269 reports per 100,000 residents, ranking the state 16th nationwide.

A deeper dive into IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) figures reveals that in Alabama, 249 of those reports were specifically classified as “identity theft.” Additionally, victims lost about $700,494 due to such crimes.

What Kinds of Identity Theft Are Happening?

According to IC3’s 2024 Alabama report:

• 249 identity theft complaints filed.

• Total losses: $700,494.

• Victims aged age 30–39 lost the highest amounts—over $7.4 million in broader cybercrimes (though not all strictly identity theft)

Meanwhile, than 40 percent of IC3 victims were over 60, and that group suffered the highest cumulative losses—over $33 million—across all forms of cybercrime in Alabama.

National Context: Is Alabama Better or Worse Off?

Alabama's 269 identity theft reports per 100,000 population stacks up as follows:

• Slightly below the national average, which hovered nearer 300–350 per 100,000 in 2024 
• In 2024, the FTC received 1.135 million identity theft complaints nationwide, a 9.5% increase from 2023 
• Credit card fraud was the most common and fastest-growing form of identity theft, accounting for around 449,000 complaints nationally—and up 7.8% over 2023 

Other common identity theft methods include:

• “Other identity theft” (e.g., online account takeovers, social media fraud), which saw a 38% increase, totaling 359,008 complaints

Age & Demographics: Who’s Most at Risk?

1. Nationally, the 30–39 age group leads identity theft victims, followed by 40–49 and 20–29, together making up the majority of filings 
2. In Alabama, while statewide age-specific data isn’t publicly available, IC3 aggregated numbers show that Alabamians over 60 suffered the highest losses across all cybercrime types

Financial Toll: How Much Are Victims Losing?

1. Alabama’s identity-theft-related losses totaled $700,494, with losses averaging about $2,818 per victim (based on 249 victims) 
2. Nationally, the FTC and Experian report over $12.7 billion lost to identity theft and fraud in 2024, with the median loss per fraud case around $499

Trendwatch: What’s on the Rise & What’s Declining?

1. In Alabama, while identity theft reports stayed relatively stable, elderly victims (60+) saw rising losses, primarily from phishing, data breaches, and spoofing.
2. Nationally:
1. Credit card fraud is increasingly prevalent.
2. Other identity theft surged 38% in 2024.
3. Total reports rose about 9.5%, even as median per-victim loss slightly dipped from $500 to $499

Tips to Protect Yourself in Alabama

1. Monitor your financial statements weekly for irregular charges.

2. Set up fraud alerts or freeze your credit if identity theft is suspected.

3. Be wary of unsolicited contacts—Alabama saw many cases of spoofing and phishing attacks

4. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on e‑mail & financial accounts.

5. Stay current on data breaches, especially from local organizations in Alabama—phishing remains a major threat nationally.

Final Thoughts

While Alabama performs slightly better than the national average in identity theft complaint rates, the financial impact—particularly on older residents—is substantial. With evolving threats like credit card fraud, phishing, and account takeovers, 2024’s uptick in national reports indicates an ongoing need for vigilance. Proactive defense—through monitoring, fraud alerts, and cybersecurity hygiene—can significantly reduce risk and protect your personal information.

By understanding the numbers and adopting recommended safeguards, Alabama residents can take meaningful steps to combat identity theft in 2025 and beyond.