When most people think of identity theft, they picture stolen credit cards or hacked email accounts. But identity theft doesn’t just happen to individuals—it happens to businesses too. In fact, business identity theft is rising fast, with scammers targeting small companies to commit fraud, open accounts, and steal funds.
If you think your business is too small or not high-profile enough to be a target, think again. In this article, we’ll explain what business identity theft is, how it happens, and how BizDefender helps you detect and stop threats before they cause serious damage.
What is business identity theft?
The unauthorized use of your business identity
Business identity theft occurs when criminals impersonate your company to commit fraud. This can involve using your business name, address, tax ID number, or other credentials to:
-
Open new lines of credit
-
Order goods or services
-
File fake tax returns
-
Access government loans or grants
-
Trick your customers or vendors into sending payments
It’s silent—and often goes undetected for months
Unlike personal identity theft, which can trigger alerts or credit freezes, business identity theft may go unnoticed until a creditor calls, a bank flags activity, or law enforcement gets involved.
Why are small businesses at higher risk?
Less monitoring and fewer security tools
Small businesses rarely have the same fraud monitoring systems that larger companies use. That makes it easier for criminals to slip in unnoticed.
Easy access to public information
Many state and local governments list business details—like your EIN, address, or officers—online. Scammers use this information to build convincing fake applications or accounts.
Lower awareness of threats
Most small business owners are more focused on growth and operations than cybersecurity. Scammers count on this lack of awareness to carry out fraud schemes successfully.
What tactics do scammers use?
Fake business registrations
Criminals may register a new company using a name similar to yours or even update your official records without your knowledge. From there, they can apply for loans, lines of credit, or government benefits.
Phishing emails and social engineering
Attackers may target your employees or vendors with phishing scams to gain access to sensitive company information. Learn how to fight these threats with our Phishing Prevention Services.
Tax fraud and government impersonation
Some identity thieves use your business info to file fraudulent tax returns or apply for grants or benefits—especially during government programs like COVID relief.
What are the warning signs of identity theft?
-
Unexpected credit inquiries or account approvals
-
IRS notices for tax returns you didn’t file
-
Bills or collection notices for unknown accounts
-
Vendors or clients saying they received suspicious emails from your company
-
Changes to your business registration or contact info you didn’t authorize
If you see any of these red flags, it’s time to act fast.
How BizDefender protects your business identity
24/7 identity monitoring
Our Business Identity Theft Protection monitors your business credentials, domain, and digital footprint. If anything suspicious appears—such as a new business registration, credit pull, or dark web alert—you’ll know immediately.
Real-time alerts and rapid response
We don’t just alert you. We help you respond. Whether you’re dealing with fraudulent filings or compromised credentials, BizDefender gives you clear steps and real-time tools to take back control.
Dark web scanning for compromised data
Our Free Dark Web Scan lets you find out if your business emails, passwords, or credentials are being sold online. Early detection gives you a chance to change credentials and avoid fraud.
Compliance and security assessments
We offer a Business Cybersecurity Assessment to identify vulnerabilities that make identity theft easier—like unsecured accounts, weak access control, or phishing exposure.
How to prevent business identity theft
Monitor your credit and public filings
Check your business credit reports regularly and review your state business filings to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made.
Use strong access control and MFA
Limit who can access sensitive business data, and always use multi-factor authentication for logins. Weak access is a doorway for fraud.
Educate employees on social engineering
Many attacks start with phishing or manipulation. Training employees to recognize and report suspicious messages can block identity theft before it begins.
Verify all vendors and customers
Scammers often impersonate other companies—or even your company—to defraud your partners. Vet new vendors, confirm payment instructions, and build fraud awareness into your operations.
What to do if your business is targeted
-
Report the theft to local authorities and the FTC
-
Contact affected banks, vendors, or agencies
-
Freeze or close fraudulent accounts
-
Monitor credit and filings for further misuse
-
Document all incidents and responses for legal protection
Need help? BizDefender’s identity protection tools make it simple to take action and stay ahead of scammers.
Protect your business identity today
You’ve worked hard to build your business—don’t let identity thieves undo it. Business identity theft is real, growing, and preventable. With BizDefender, small businesses get simple, affordable tools to monitor, protect, and defend their reputation.
Start now with:
Don’t wait for a scammer to strike. Defend your business identity today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is business identity theft?
Business identity theft is when someone uses your business information without authorization to commit fraud, open accounts, or impersonate your company.
How do I know if my business has been compromised?
Common signs include unknown credit activity, IRS notices, changes to business filings, or suspicious emails claiming to be from your business.
How does BizDefender help protect my business?
BizDefender provides identity monitoring, dark web scanning, fraud alerts, and step-by-step response tools to help you detect and stop identity theft.
What should I do if my business is targeted?
Act quickly by reporting the theft, contacting affected parties, freezing accounts, and using business identity theft protection to stop further damage.