Identity Theft: Meaning and Definition

Identity theft is the unauthorized acquisition and use of another person's personal data — name, government ID, banking information, photographs, or credentials — to commit fraud, open accounts, or impersonate them online. In the digital age it commonly chains together social-media impersonation, leaked contact details from breaches, and synthetic identities assembled from multiple data points. Defenses combine continuous PII monitoring, suppression of leaked data, fast takedown of impersonating accounts, and legal action where required to restore the victim's standing.