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.
Last year, the agency focused about 70% of its time on tax crimes, including tax refund fraud, identity theft, cybercrimes, scams, and public corruption. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2025 Federal prosecutors said the exchange facilitated ransomware attacks, identity theft and other crimes. Anton Troianovski, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025 Cases of identity theft have contributed to refund delays in past tax seasons. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 Microsoft says users will continue to receive device protection as well as identity theft and credit monitoring features included with a Microsoft 365 subscription. Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 3 Feb. 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

Dictionary Entries Near identity theft

Cite this Entry

“Identity theft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity%20theft. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

Legal Definition

identity theft

see theft

More from Merriam-Webster on identity theft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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