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

Our guide to the warning signs of identity theft explains other clues that should not be ignored. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Frankel was convicted in March 2026 of grand larceny and identity theft. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

An identity theft protection service can provide additional monitoring and alert you to potential signs of fraud. — Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

If confirmed, the breach could be one of the worst in recent history, exposing millions of people to identity theft. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 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