Which of the following statements about identity theft is true?

Identity theft can indeed lead to both criminal and civil penalties, making this statement true. This crime involves the unauthorized use of someone else's personal information, typically for financial gain, leading to serious legal consequences.

Criminal penalties can include fines and imprisonment for the perpetrators, varying according to the severity of the offense and the jurisdiction. Civil penalties may involve restitution to the victim or damages awarded in lawsuits. The multifaceted legal repercussions reflect the serious societal impact of identity theft and underscore the need for strong protections against such violations.

In contrast to this, the other statements do not accurately capture the nature of identity theft. For instance, it does not require the consent of the victim—this is a defining aspect of identity theft. Additionally, it is illegal in all circumstances, not legal under certain conditions, and it encompasses a broad range of personal information beyond just financial details, including social security numbers, medical records, and other identifiable data.