Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person's personal identifying information, such as their name, identifying number, or credit card number, without their permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft was first used in 1964. Since that time, identity theft has been statutorily defined as the theft of personally identifiable information in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Identity theft is the intentional use of another person's identity to gain financial advantages or obtain credit and other benefits, and possibly to cause disadvantage or loss to another person. The person whose identity has been stolen may suffer negative consequences.
