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

The Gaston County police officer, who was investigating the identity theft case, visited the Advance Auto Parts location several days after the package was delivered, the lawsuit said. — Diamy Wang july 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026

The company’s founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin, was charged months later with securities and wire fraud, along with identity theft. — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 9 July 2026

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to identity theft and other scams and are often advised to ignore junk mail and calls from telemarketers. — Susan Jaffe, NPR, 6 July 2026

The telecom giant denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the multi-million-dollar settlement, as well as to providing free identity theft protection services to affected customers for three years. — Brian Sloan,dan Avery, CNBC, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for identity theft

• bereft
• cleft
• deft
• heft
• left

Legal Definition

identity theft

see also:

theft