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Federal statute

Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998

In plain terms. The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 made identity theft a distinct federal crime and directed the FTC to serve as a central clearinghouse for victim complaints. It established identity-theft as a stan…

Last reviewedJune 7, 2026Version v1

In plain terms. The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 made identity theft a distinct federal crime and directed the FTC to serve as a central clearinghouse for victim complaints. It established identity-theft as a stand-alone offense, reflecting the rising harm from misuse of personal identifiers.

Citation. Pub. L. 105-318 (Oct. 30, 1998); 18 U.S.C. § 1028.