identity theft

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

identity theft

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of identity theft¹

1995–2000

Example Sentences

Four years later, a report by the inspector general said, “We are particularly concerned with identity theft or imposter schemes, which occur when individual identities are stolen and then used to apply for UI benefits.”

From ProPublica

After all, the extent of identity theft means that criminals often input the information of a real person.

From ProPublica

The department will focus the audit, known as verification, on ferreting out identity theft and fraud for the 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, cycle.

From Washington Post

Charges are said to include sex-trafficking, wire fraud, and identity theft.

From The Daily Beast

Greenberg, initially charged in a two-count indictment related to his alleged effort to smear Beute, now faces 33 federal charges, including sex trafficking of a child, aggravated identity theft, wire fraud and bribery.

From Washington Post

I've learned that this form of identity theft, conjuring up a character to attract another person, is not uncommon.

From The Daily Beast

In January, Adams pleaded guilty to an apparently unrelated federal charge of identity theft in California.

From The Daily Beast

But in 2008, Pellicano was found guilty on 76 charges—including wire fraud, identity theft, and racketeering.

From The Daily Beast

An identity theft can take significant time and money to clear up.

From The Daily Beast

Then, on November 3, Parker was extradited to Connecticut where he was charged with identity theft, which is a felony.

From The Daily Beast