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
Check if your personal information is already being used for identity theft, fraud or appearing on the dark web.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
Cofield was found guilty to identity theft and conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud and sentenced in 2024.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 1 June 2026
Gilbert had active warrants from around North Texas and two other states on a range of offenses including fraud, identity theft, possession of narcotics and other crimes, police said.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2026
The top concerns cited in the report—which are consistent across the globe—were identity theft, unauthorized purchases, fraud and loss of financial control.
—Jacques Ledbetter, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for identity theft
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.
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
Cofield was found guilty to identity theft and conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud and sentenced in 2024.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 1 June 2026
Gilbert had active warrants from around North Texas and two other states on a range of offenses including fraud, identity theft, possession of narcotics and other crimes, police said.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2026
The top concerns cited in the report—which are consistent across the globe—were identity theft, unauthorized purchases, fraud and loss of financial control.
—Jacques Ledbetter, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for identity theft
Cite this Entry
“Identity theft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity%20theft. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
