identity theft

American

the fraudulent appropriation and use of someone's identifying or personal data or documents, as a credit card.

identity theft British

noun

the crime of setting up and using bank accounts and credit facilities fraudulently in another person's name without his or her knowledge

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of identity theft

1995–2000

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Smith-Griffin pleaded not guilty to charges of securities fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2024, federal prosecutors accused the head of the firm that provided the AI tool, Joanna Smith-Griffin, of defrauding investors and charged her with securities fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

From Los Angeles Times

Between the constant press coverage of the confidential emails, the destroyed IT system and the panic over the employee identity theft, the studio became paralyzed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Unauthorized changes are often a sign of fraud, identity theft or elder financial abuse, which can result in civil and criminal charges.

From MarketWatch

The Ultra plan additionally provides access to NordProtect, identity theft insurance that helps cover costs if your personal information is stolen.

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023