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.
McGeachie, Logan and Richards were booked into the Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of bank fraud and identity theft. Tim Fang, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026 His list of charges now includes resisting, delaying, and obstructing an officer and identity theft in Lee County, officials said. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026 While Panera says only contact information was exposed, that data is often enough to fuel scams and identity theft long after headlines fade. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026 Taxpayers can also create an identity protection PIN number with the IRS to guard against identity theft. Adriana Morga, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Identity theft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity%20theft. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

Legal Definition

identity theft

see also:

More from Merriam-Webster on identity theft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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