Extract from OED Online

identity

SECOND EDITION 1989

DRAFT ADDITIONS MARCH 2005

identity theft, the dishonest acquisition of personal information in order to perpetrate fraud, typically by obtaining credit, loans, etc., in someone else's name.

1991 Boston Globe (Nexis) 27 May (Metro section) 1 The Social Security Administration in Boston..agrees that *identity theft can be quickly stopped. ‘If you can document someone else is using your Social Security number, we'll give you a new number.’ 2003 R. WHITNEY Millionaire Real Estate Mentor xv. 244 If you are a victim of identity theft, prompt action makes recovering somewhat easier

but be prepared for a frustrating, lengthy process.