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

This database access could expose Americans to widespread identity theft and potentially require the government to reissue new Social Security numbers to every American at enormous cost.

From Los Angeles Times

Yes, she says, they committed fraud, but not identity theft.

From Los Angeles Times

Brown was indicted Wednesday on 21 counts of wire fraud, transactional money laundering and aggravated identity theft.

From Los Angeles Times

She was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of stolen property, possession of narcotics with two or more prior convictions, and possession of identity theft items with a prior conviction, police said.

From Los Angeles Times

The suspect is accused of first-degree intentional homicide and seven other felony counts, including hiding a corpse and identity theft.

From BBC