What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft and identity fraud are often used interchangeably. However, while identity fraud refers to a broad category of crimes involving the use of false identification, identity theft is a form of identity fraud that specifically involves the use of someone else’s personal information.
Identity theft is defined under federal law as the knowing transfer, possession, or use of “a means of identification of another person” without any lawful authority and in connection with an activity that would violate federal law or would constitute a felony under state law.