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.
Because of privacy risks ranging from identity theft to government surveillance, several states have passed strict biometric privacy laws to prevent companies from collecting such data without explicit consent. Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025 Regina Caffey Means, 52, Chicago, was arrested June 19 in the 19000 block of Halsted Street and accused of identity theft after using a stranger’s credit card to make unauthorized transactions at several locations, police said. Dennis Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025 Ultimately, controlling what's available online is one of the most effective ways to protect seniors from identity theft, fraud and unwanted contact. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025 Kato pleaded guilty on March 11, 2024, to one count each of first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community, health insurance fraud and second-degree identity theft. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 12 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

identity theft

see theft

More from Merriam-Webster on identity theft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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