Iowa Code 715A.8 – Identity theft
Current as of: 2023 | Check for updates
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1. a. For purposes of this section, “identification information” includes but is not limited to the name, address, date of birth, telephone number, driver’s license number, nonoperator’s identification card number, social security number, student identification number, military identification number, alien identification or citizenship status number, employer identification number, signature, electronic mail signature, electronic identifier or screen name, biometric identifier, genetic identification information, access device, logo, symbol, trademark, place of employment, employee identification number, parent’s legal surname prior to marriage, demand deposit account number, savings or checking account number, or credit card number of a person.
b. For purposes of this section, “financial institution” means the same as defined in section 527.2, and includes an insurer organized under Title XIII, subtitle 1, of this Code, or under the laws of any other state or the United States.
Attorney's Note
Under the Iowa Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class C felony | up to 10 years | between $1,370 and $13,660 |
| Class D felony | up to 5 years | between $1,025 and $10,245 |
| Aggravated misdemeanor | up to 2 years | between $855 and $8,540 |
Terms Used In Iowa Code 715A.8
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Credit card: means a writing purporting to evidence an undertaking to pay for property or services delivered or rendered to or upon the order of a designated person or bearer and includes a debit card or access device used to engage in an electronic transfer of funds through a satellite terminal as defined in section 527. See Iowa Code 715A.1
- Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
- following: when used by way of reference to a chapter or other part of a statute mean the next preceding or next following chapter or other part. See Iowa Code 4.1
- Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
- person: means individual, corporation, limited liability company, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, or any other legal entity. See Iowa Code 4.1
- property: includes personal and real property. See Iowa Code 4.1
- Signature: includes an electronic signature as defined in section 554D. See Iowa Code 4.1
- state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories, and the words "United States" may include the said district and territories. See Iowa Code 4.1
- United States: includes all the states. See Iowa Code 4.1
2. A person commits the offense of identity theft if the person fraudulently uses or attempts to fraudulently use identification information of another person, with the intent to obtain credit, property, services, or other benefit.
3. a. If the value of the credit, property, services, or other benefit exceeds ten thousand dollars, the person commits a class “C” felony.
b. If the value of the credit, property, services, or other benefit exceeds one thousand five hundred dollars but does not exceed ten thousand dollars, the person commits a class “D” felony.
c. If the value of the credit, property, services, or other benefit does not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars, the person commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
4. A violation of this section is an unlawful practice under section 714.16.
5. Violations of this section shall be prosecuted in any of the following venues:
a. In the county in which the violation occurred.
b. If the violation was committed in more than one county, or if the elements of the offense were committed in more than one county, then in any county where any violation occurred or where an element of the offense occurred.
c. In the county where the victim resides.
d. In the county where the property that was fraudulently used or attempted to be used was located at the time of the violation.
6. Any real or personal property obtained by a person as a result of a violation of this section, including but not limited to any money, interest, security, claim, contractual right, or financial instrument that is in the possession of the person, shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture pursuant to chapter 809A. A victim injured by a violation of this section, or a financial institution that has indemnified a victim injured by a violation of this section, may file a claim as an interest holder pursuant to section 809A.11 for payment of damages suffered by the victim including costs of recovery and reasonable attorney fees.
7. A financial institution may file a complaint regarding a violation of this section on behalf of a victim and shall have the same rights and privileges as the victim if the financial institution has indemnified the victim for such violations.
8. Upon the request of a victim, a peace officer in any jurisdiction described in subsection 5 shall take a report regarding an alleged violation of this section and shall provide a copy of the report to the victim. The report may also be provided to any other law enforcement agency in any of the jurisdictions described in subsection 5.