18 U.S.C. § 1028 – Fraud in Connection With Identification Documents, Authentication Features, and Information
This law makes it a federal crime to unlawfully produce, transfer, possess, or use identification documents, authentication features, or identification information.
This statute targets identity document fraud and identity theft involving documents or information issued by, or appearing to be issued by, a governmental authority.
It applies to conduct involving false identification documents, stolen or unlawfully obtained identification information, and the misuse of authentication features used to verify identity.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly:
- Produce, transfer, or possess an identification document, authentication feature, or false identification document without lawful authority
- Produce, transfer, or possess a document-making implement or authentication feature with intent that it be used to produce false identification documents or features
- Possess or use another person’s identification document or identification information without lawful authority
- Transfer identification information knowing that the information was stolen or produced without lawful authority
- Use or possess false identification documents or authentication features in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce
- Attempt or conspire to commit any offense prohibited by this section
Penalties.
A person convicted under this statute shall be punished as provided in subsection (b) of this section.
If you’re being investigated or charged under a federal identity document fraud or identity theft statute, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to discuss your situation.
