Final answer:
Identity theft is the intentional act of misusing another person's personal information without their permission, typically with the intent to commit financial fraud or other harm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement given is or isn't completely accurate when describing identity theft. Identity theft involves the deliberate misuse and exploitation of someone else's personal information without their consent, but it does not usually occur "without intent" as the statement suggests. Instead, identity theft is an intentional act where thieves illegally obtain personal details, such as social security numbers, PINs, passwords, or other sensitive data, to impersonate individuals and gain access to their finances, credit, or other benefits. These criminals often create significant financial harm by draining savings accounts or making large fraudulent purchases.
Data breaches play a significant role in identity theft, exposing personal information to malicious actors. The damage caused by identity theft extends beyond financial loss, as victims often lose trust in institutions like banks and governments, and it can also contribute to broader issues like national security threats, power shutdowns, and election interference.
Given its serious consequences, it's essential to maintain vigilance, especially in situations like job searches, where personal information is regularly exchanged with potentially untrustworthy parties.