Identity theft is a crime in which the perpetrator uses another individual's personally identifying information to open a fraudulent credit card account or commit other illegal acts under someone else's identity. The most sensitive types of information include one's Social Security number and birthdate, which together may be used to open new accounts. Identity theft has gotten more attention with the rise of Internet technology, although the crime has its roots in "dumpster diving" and other methods of obtaining sensitive information. State identity theft laws typically place regulations on businesses and other entities that regularly handle the sensitive data of others.
Alaska Identity Theft Law at a Glance
The Alaska Personal Information Protection Act addresses several different facets of identity theft, including requirements to provide notice to customers whose personal information may have been compromised. In addition to criminal sanctions, victims of identity theft may sue responsible parties for damages and associated legal costs.
The following chart provides details about identity theft law in Alaska, including the state definition of the crime and different ways it can be committed. See FindLaw's Identity Theft section to learn how to protect yourself and what to do once you're identity has been stolen.
| Code Section | 45.48.010, et seq. (Alaska Personal Information Protection Act) |
| Statutory Provisions |
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| Classification of Crime/Penalties | Failure to notice customer about security breach: $500 civil penalty (up to maximum $50,000); unlawful request for, or trade in, Social Security numbers: Class A misdemeanor; improper disposal of sensitive records: $3,000 civil penalty (plus actual damages) |
| Who May Prosecute | Attorney General |
| Exemptions to Identity Theft Laws | Those authorized by law to handle Social Security numbers (a person subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, for example) |
| Civil Lawsuit Allowed? | Yes |
| Civil Remedies Available | Actual economic damages, court costs, and full reasonable attorneys fees. |
| Misc. | - |
Note: State laws may change at any time through the actions of higher courts, the enactment of newly signed legislation, and other means. You may want to contact an Alaska criminal defense attorney or consumer protection attorney, or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Alaska Identity Theft Laws: Related Resources
