Which of the following is a common method used by identity thieves?

Identity thieves employ a range of tactics to unlawfully obtain personal information. Creating fake identities is a fundamental method that allows thieves to acquire credit, loans, or open accounts under these fabricated names, thus evading detection and responsibility for their actions.

Pretexting is another common technique where thieves impersonate legitimate entities, such as financial institutions, to elicit personal information from unsuspecting victims. This method relies heavily on the trust that individuals have in recognized institutions, making it highly effective for deceiving individuals into revealing sensitive data.

Additionally, the use of malware is a prevalent strategy for data collection. Thieves deploy malicious software on victims’ devices to harvest information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other confidential data without the victim's knowledge.

Since all these methods are frequently used in the realm of identity theft, the correct answer incorporates all these tactics, highlighting the multifaceted approaches criminals take to perpetrate identity theft. Each method underscores the importance of being vigilant and employing protective measures against various schemes used by identity thieves.