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.
The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages for time spent monitoring accounts and dealing with identity theft risks, reimbursement for expenses related to the breach, injunctive relief to require improved data security measures, and more comprehensive identity protection services. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025 The more immediate concern may be the fact that the IRS currently takes an average of 20 months to resolve cases for identity theft victims—a veritable millennia for individuals that did everything right but still found their refunds frozen. Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Attendees will learn about the top scams in San Diego, practice identifying red flags, how to protect themselves from identity theft, and receive free resources and tools. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025 James Smallwood, 54, is charged with murder, elder or dependent adult abuse, unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle, and four counts of identity theft, according to a June 19 news release from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. Jennifer Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 19 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Identity theft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity%20theft. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

identity theft

see theft

More from Merriam-Webster on identity theft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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