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.
Handing over credit card or contact details to the people running these sites is, at best, unwise and, at worst, a recipe for malware and identity theft. Olivia Solon, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026 This week marks Identity Theft Awareness Week, and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza emphasized some safety tips Monday for avoiding and dealing with identity theft. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026 A little skepticism now can prevent financial loss and identity theft when help is hardest to reach. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026 State and local authorities are investigating incidents of identity theft and credit card fraud within the University System of Georgia. Jason Armesto, AJC.com, 24 Jan. 2026 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 30 Jan. 2026.

Legal Definition

identity theft

see theft

More from Merriam-Webster on identity theft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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