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.
The former Congressman was charged with fraud and campaign finance violations and sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining 10 counts, which included additional allegations of forgery, perjury, identity theft, theft by extortion and evidence tampering. — Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026 LifeLock's identity and financial monitoring features can alert you to certain signs of identity theft, while its restoration services can help if your information is misused. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 Consider identity theft protection If someone gains access to sensitive personal or financial information, identity theft protection can help monitor for signs that your information is being misused and provide recovery assistance if fraud occurs. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 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

Rhymes for identity theft

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Browse Nearby Words

identity principle
identity theft
ideo-
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Cite this Entry

“Identity theft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity%20theft. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Legal Definition

identity theft

see also:
theft

More from Merriam-Webster on identity theft

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about identity theft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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