Which of the following is an example of identity theft?

Choosing the act of taking someone's credit and debit cards as an example of identity theft is accurate because it involves the unauthorized use of another person's financial information to commit fraud. Identity theft primarily refers to the act of acquiring and using someone else's personal information, typically with malicious intent, often for financial gain. When someone takes another person's credit or debit cards, they are directly misappropriating the cardholder's financial identity and assets without consent, fulfilling the criteria of identity theft.

The other options, while potentially involving deceptive or unauthorized actions, do not specifically fit the core definition of identity theft. For instance, using a social media account without permission can be considered a form of privacy violation or unauthorized access but does not involve financial identity. Hijacking a public Wi-Fi network may allow for data interception, but it does not necessarily involve the direct theft of identity. Creating a fake online profile could be deceptive, especially if it impersonates someone else, but it does not inherently involve stealing identification or financial information. Thus, the action of taking someone's credit and debit cards most clearly aligns with the definition of identity theft.