What is ‘identity theft’?

Study for the FCCLA Consumer Rights Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with explanations and hints, to become proficient in consumer rights. Prepare effectively for your upcoming exam!

The term 'identity theft' refers specifically to the unauthorized use of someone’s personal information, such as their Social Security number, credit card details, or bank account information, for financial gain. This form of theft often involves stealing someone’s identity to create fraudulent accounts, make purchases, or gain access to funds without the victim’s consent. It highlights the serious implications it can have on individuals, including financial loss and damage to one’s credit score.

While the other options relate to aspects of identity theft or fraud, they do not fully capture the meaning. For instance, borrowing someone's identification might imply a level of consent that is absent in identity theft. Online fraud does encompass identity theft, but it is broader and includes various other deceptive practices. Gaining access to a bank account can be a consequence of identity theft, but by itself, it does not define the act. Therefore, the most precise definition of identity theft is centered around the unauthorized use of personal information with the intent of financial gain.

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