Embodiments of the present application relate to a method, apparatus, and system for verifying an identity of a user. The method includes receiving a preset key that is associated with a key carrier that is a physical object, storing the preset key in a database storing mappings between a plurality of preset keys and a plurality of users, receiving a verification key in connection with an identity verification of a user, retrieving the preset key associated with the user from the database, determining whether the verification key matches the preset key associated with the user, and causing a determination of whether the key carrier is authentic.