identity theft

American  

1. the fraudulent appropriation and use of someone's identifying or personal data or documents, as a credit card.

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identity theft British  

noun

1. the crime of setting up and using bank accounts and credit facilities fraudulently in another person's name without his or her knowledge

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Etymology

Origin of identity theft

1995–2000

Example Sentences

“Encryption protects Canadians from identity theft, fraud, unlawful surveillance, and data breaches,” Erik Neuenschwander, Apple’s senior director of user privacy, said in testimony before lawmakers on Tuesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Stewart also pointed to new forms of identity theft where criminals create synthetic identities and social-media accounts mimicking the behaviors of real people.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

Zayas has pleaded not guilty to four counts of healthcare fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

"Given the nature of the data involved, there is a risk of impacts including identity theft, fraud, or misuse of personal information," it said in the email.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Someone in the back makes a crack about identity theft.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan