# steal someone's identity

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/steal-someones-identity
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To assume another person's identity, usually to gain access to that person's finances or to frame a person for a crime; to commit identity theft.

## Examples

- Criminals often try to steal someone's identity online.
- You should never share your social security number, or a hacker might steal someone's identity to open credit cards.
- Sophisticated cybercriminals employ advanced phishing techniques to steal someone's identity, leaving victims to navigate the arduous process of restoring their financial reputation.

## Origin

From identity theft.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.