{"id":373364,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:17","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/iowa-law\/iowa-identity-theft-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:48:44","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:48:44","slug":"iowa-identity-theft-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/iowa-law\/iowa-identity-theft-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Iowa Identity Theft Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Iowa Identity Theft Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In so many ways, telephones and computers have made our business and personal lives much more convenient. At the same time, we’re more susceptible to identity theft<\/a> than ever before. Simply put, identity theft is one person fraudulently using another person’s identification information for financial gain. Fortunately, the Hawkeye State has laws to help protect us from just that situation. This is an introduction to identity theft laws in Iowa.<\/p>\n

Identity Theft Laws<\/h2>\n

Identity thieves can use pieces of your personal identification like your name, date of birth, social security number, or driver’s license number to gain access to your money. Identity theft is a felony in Iowa if the loss exceeds $1,000, and punishable by up to 5 years in prison, and $7,500 in fines.<\/p>\n

Iowa Identity Theft Statutes<\/h2>\n

The chart below lists the details of Iowa\u2019s identity theft statutes.<\/p>\n\n

Code Section<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Criminal: Iowa Code 715A.8<\/a>: Identity Theft;<\/p>\n

Civil: Iowa Code 714.16B<\/a>: Identity Theft – Civil Cause of Action<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Classification of Crime\/Penalties<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

If loss is $1,000 or less: aggravated misdemeanor; if loss exceeds $1,000: class D felony<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Who May Prosecute<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Any prosecuting authority<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Exemptions to Identity Theft Laws<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

–<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Civil Lawsuit Allowed?<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Civil action allowed<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Civil Remedies Available<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Greater of $1,000 or 3 times the actual damages; attorney fees and court costs<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Misc.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

The value of property or services stolen will be its highest value by any reasonable standard<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Iowa’s identity theft laws, as stringent as they are, can only be enforced after the theft has occurred. So here are some tips to protect yourself against identity theft<\/a> before it happens:<\/p>\n