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identity theft

noun

: the illegal use of someone else's personal information (such as a Social Security number) especially in order to obtain money or credit

Examples of identity theft in a Sentence

How can we protect ourselves against identity theft?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Use an identity theft protection service that monitors financial activity, scans the dark web and alerts you to suspicious changes. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Dec. 2025 This week, the House of Representatives passed several bills aimed at improving the agency's services, not only for prospective retirees, but also for identity theft victims — and children whose cards are lost or stolen. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025 The coalition works to protect the tax system and taxpayers from identity theft and associated fraud, particularly as scam activity surges ahead of Christmas and upcoming tax season. Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025 Officials say the effort is aimed at protecting consumers from identity theft and financial fraud at a time when shopping activity is high. Peter D'oench, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for identity theft

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of identity theft was in 1964

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Identity theft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity%20theft. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Legal Definition

identity theft

see theft

More from Merriam-Webster on identity theft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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