Identity Theft Identity theft occurs when a criminal uses another person's personal information to take on that person's identity. Identity theft is much more than misuse of a Social Security number-it can also include credit card and mail fraud. If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, check out this site and contact one of the government offices listed below. in Public bookmarkswith creditcriminalfraudidentitymisusesecuritysocialtheftvictim