Identity theft is not a new crime and has been committed by digging through household garbage cans and other low-tech means for years, but computer networks have made it much more pervasive. Generally, identity theft involves the use of another's personally identifying information, such as a Social Security number, to open fraudulent bank accounts or commit other crimes under a false name. The prohibition of identity theft is enforced primarily through state laws, although it is also a federal offense.
Identity Theft Laws in Oregon
If you commit an act of identity theft in Oregon, it is an automatic Class C felony, which typically results in a 13 month prison sentence (or more). The charge is elevated to aggravated identity theft for those with multiple prior offenses, who have multiple stolen identifications in their possession, or for other reasons.
The following chart provides additional details about Oregon identity theft laws. 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 | Or. Rev. Stat. §§165.800; 137.717 |
| Classification of Crime/Penalties | Automatic class C felony Presumptive sentence of 13 months incarceration; longer sentence if the perpetrator has previous convictions for identity theft, forgery, credit card fraud, or computer crime |
| Aggravated Identity Theft | Class B felony is charged for the crime of identity theft if:
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| Who May Prosecute | Any prosecuting authority |
| Exemptions to Identity Theft Laws | Criminal statute does not apply to minors seeking to obtain privileges denied to minors (for instance, alcohol or tobacco products) |
| Civil Lawsuit Allowed? | - |
| Civil Remedies Available | - |
| Misc. | - |
Note: State laws are always subject to change at any time, usually through new legislation or appellate court opinions. Be sure to contact an Oregon consumer protection attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Oregon Identity Theft Laws: Related Resources
