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.
Fast action can limit the financial damage and reduce the risk of identity theft. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026 This is the first of those reports, which outlines advocacy objectives for the upcoming fiscal year — one of which is taxpayer identity theft. — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 24 June 2026 The Atlanta man had previously been convicted for fraud and identity theft, authorities said. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 25 June 2026 Some 59% of calls on major accounts management lines were answered, but taxpayers on compliance lines got through only 34% of the time, and the line that handles identity theft victims got through only 19% of the time. — ABC News, 24 June 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

See All Rhymes for identity theft

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 7 Jul. 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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