Overview
A Data Loss or Theft scheme is one that results in the victim losing data or the scammer stealing data. Data in this context can mean login credentials, credit card details, or other personal or corporate information. These schemes are often (but not only) found in scams that involve deceiving the victim into visiting some sort of malicious website.
Related Articles
What is credential theft?, SentinelOne
What is credential phishing?, McAfee
Listed as a "Top Five Scams Targeting Consumers" by PYMNTS, January 2026 report
"Scams leading to identity theft (16%): Stolen personal data is used to access or open accounts. These scams are especially damaging and frequently reported to banks."
Listed as a "top 10 scam of 2025" by Vermont Attorney General, VermontBiz January 12, 2026