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.
Enrolling in a reputable identity theft protection service adds another layer of security by monitoring your credit and alerting you to suspicious activity. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025 Credit card companies use a variety of methods to detect fraud, which is the most common type of identity theft and is on the rise, according to Experian, one of the major consumer credit information services. IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2025 Criminals are now using advanced technology, identity theft, and even fake health care providers to exploit retirees. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 4 Nov. 2025 Health system data breaches expose personal, financial and medical records of patients and may leave them vulnerable to identity theft and fraud at the hands of bad actors. Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 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 14 Nov. 2025.

Legal Definition

identity theft

see theft

More from Merriam-Webster on identity theft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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