Identity theft

Identity theft is a crime used to refer to fraud that involves someone pretending to be someone else in order to steal money or get other benefits. The term is relatively new and is actually a misnomer, since it is not inherently possible to steal an identity, only to use it. The person whose identity is used can suffer various consequences when he or she is held responsible for the perpetrator`s actions. In many countries specific laws make it a crime to use another person`s identity for personal gain.

Identity theft is somewhat different from identity fraud, which is related to the usage of a `false identity` to commit fraud. Identity theft means impersonating a real person.