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.

Hackers and hacks 📚 Parents, students and teachers whose data was exposed in the recent PowerSchool breach have little recourse to protect themselves from identity theft. —

Sam Sabin, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025 That information is used to steal money as well as to commit identity theft. —

Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025 See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft. 4. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025 Smith court date on Wednesday was scheduled to discuss a plea deal pertaining to charges in his DoorDash case, including first-degree larceny, third-degree identity theft and first-degree computer crimes. —

Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Identity theft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity%20theft. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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