identity theft

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

identity theft

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of identity theft¹

1995–2000

Example Sentences

When this familiarity dovetailed with a catfishing scheme, Tegan and many fans became ensnared in a sophisticated identity theft operation that lasted over 15 years.

From New York Times

Federal prosecutors, in an indictment unsealed Tuesday, accused Joanna Smith-Griffin of defrauding investors and charged her with securities fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

From Los Angeles Times

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office filed felony charges of identity theft, false impersonation and grand theft against Porter, according to Burbank police.

From Los Angeles Times

It was in October, when his parents received a letter in the post naming “Richard Rutherford Russell” as director of UCL Tickets Ltd, that Mr Russell realised he had been a victim of identity theft .

From BBC

A San Bernardino duo has been arrested and charged with using identity theft to steal $2.1 million in benefits meant to provide relief for Americans who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Los Angeles Times