What is identity theft?

Identity theft refers specifically to the illegal acquisition of someone's personal information, such as social security numbers, bank account details, and credit card information, with the intent to commit fraud. This criminal act allows the perpetrator to impersonate the victim, leading to unauthorized transactions or the creation of new accounts in the victim's name. It is a serious crime that can have devastating effects on individuals' financial health and personal lives.

The other choices do not accurately define identity theft. Creating a unique online identity aligns more with establishing a digital persona, while digital marketing relates to promoting products and services online. Altering online profiles, although sometimes relevant in fraudulent contexts, does not encapsulate the broader definition of identity theft, which is focused on the unauthorized use of personal information.