There has been little published research that organizes and classifies clear definitions of what identity theft and identity fraud mean. Until such classifications are clarified, it is difficult for business, government, and the public to understand the level of activities and their impact on organizations and individuals, in making comparisons over time and among different jurisdictions. If such an understanding is developed and comes into general use, it will be easier to organize methods to combat identity theft and fraud, through improvements and attitudes relating to laws, education, security and privacy, both within and external to affected organizations, and in the population at large.

This Web site attempts to address this problem, by developing specific terminology to be used in the associated ORNEC projects.  We encourage anyone else who has an interest in this topic to contribute their ideas and comments on our efforts. Please contact Susan Sproule if you would like to add or comment on any of the content on this Web site.

Our paper, Defining Identity Theft, presented at the 8th World Congress on the Management of eBusiness, summarizes our work in this area, Additional details are presented in the links that follow.

Our work follows the "practice of terminology" as outlined in The Pavel Terminology Tutorial. Specific details of the steps we followed to arrive at these definitions can be found here.

Conceptual model

We have developed a model that describes a process starting with the collection of personal information in order to develop a false identity and ending with the use of a false identity to commit frauds and other crimes. The model has four separate components:

• the collection of identity information,
• the creation of a fictitious identity or manipulation of one's own identity,
• development of a false identity, and
• crimes enabled by a false identity. 

As a first step in organizing the domain, the model shows examples of activities that would belong in each of these constructs.

Terminology Case Files

Specialists in any area of expertise require specialized language in order to communicate clearly and concisely. A terminology case file is a tool that can be used to develop and codify this specialized language. We provide terminology case files for the primary terms used in discussions of identity theft and identity fraud. These terms are:

• identity theft
• identity fraud
• false identity
• personal information (or identity information)

Within each of these terminology case files you will find general usage definitions, specialized language (recommended) definitions and legal definitions as well as other notes on usage, related terms, classifications, and observations.