An identity thief is a person who illegally obtains and uses someone else's personal information, such as their name, Social Security number, or credit card details, to commit fraud. This can lead to financial loss and damage to the victim's credit score, making it difficult for them to secure loans or open new accounts. Identity theft can occur through various methods, including phishing emails, data breaches, or stealing physical documents. Victims of identity theft often need to take steps to recover their identity, such as reporting the theft to credit bureaus and monitoring their financial accounts for suspicious activity.