Final answer:
Identity theft is the act of using someone's personal information to secure credit or make purchases without their permission. It is a form of fraud that can lead to financial losses and damage to a person's reputation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Identity theft refers to the act of using another individual's name, Social Security Number, driver's license number, or other personal information to secure credit or make purchases. It is a form of fraud where someone wrongfully acquires and uses a consumer's personal identification, credit, or account information without their permission. This illegally acquired information is then used to steal a person's identity and can result in financial losses and damage to a person's reputation.