{"id":373851,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:29","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-identity-theft-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-03-23T11:21:57","modified_gmt":"2018-03-23T16:21:57","slug":"maryland-identity-theft-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-identity-theft-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Identity Theft Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Maryland 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

At the same time we\u2019re using our personal identifying information in a wider and wider variety of contexts, identity theft<\/a> scams are becoming more and more sophisticated. Put simply, identity theft entails one person using the identifying information of another for financial gain. Luckily, there are laws in place to help protect citizens from the worst effects of identity theft. This is a brief summary of identity theft laws in Maryland.<\/p>\n

Identity Theft Laws<\/h2>\n

The "personal identifying information" identity thieves are searching for can be anything your name and date of birth to your social security number and driver’s license number. In Maryland, identity theft is punishable by five years in prison, a $25,000 fine, and any restitution necessary to restore the victims credit and financial status.<\/p>\n

Maryland Identity Theft Statutes<\/h2>\n

Identity theft laws in Maryland are highlighted in the chart below.<\/p>\n\n

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

Maryland Code, Criminal Law, Title 8, Subtitle 3, Section 8-301<\/a> et seq.
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Classification of Crime\/Penalties<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

If loss is less than $500: misdemeanor, imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or max. fine of $5,000 or both; if loss of $500 or more: felony, imprisonment not exceeding 5 yrs. or max. fine of $25,000 or both; restitution may be ordered for and attorney fees, costs to clear credit rating, costs of civil\/administrative proceeding to satisfy debt, lien, judgment, or other obligation resulting from crime<\/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

–<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

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

–<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

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

–<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Note:<\/i><\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i>
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Maryland\u2019s identity theft laws are merely remedies after the theft and misuse has occurred. Therefore, it\u2019s up to you to protect yourself against identity theft<\/a>:<\/p>\n