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

See Examples For:

identity theft

On a practical level, he added, the data sharing increased the risk of breaches that can open law-abiding citizens up to identity theft.

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2026

Experts have said that doing so can expose children to unforeseen risks such as identity theft, fraud or impede their privacy as they grow up.

From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026

“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

James E. Lee, president of the Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit organization that provides advice and assistance related to identity theft, said last year alone the center documented an all-time high of 3,322 hacks.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 2026

Someone in the back makes a crack about identity theft.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan