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

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

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

No customer has reported identity theft as a result of the receipts since the lawsuit was filed, the grocer said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 17, 2026

Rodgers identified potential concerns surrounding anti-money laundering and identity theft laws.

From Salon ● Mar. 30, 2026

Someone in the back makes a crack about identity theft.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan