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.
These enhancements provide users with a more robust shield against identity theft and personal privacy violations. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026 That single habit can prevent identity theft, account takeovers and a long, frustrating cleanup. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026 How to protect yourself from identity theft Unique passwords and two-factor authentication will stymie some hackers, but freezing your credit prevents anyone from applying for new lines of credit in your name. Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026 Online court records show the Milwaukee County jury found 52-year-old Demetric Scott guilty of felony identity theft and witness intimidation after deliberating for most of the day. CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Identity theft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity%20theft. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.

Legal Definition

identity theft

see theft

More from Merriam-Webster on identity theft

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