Statutes: Iowa

1. a. For purposes of this section, “identification information” includes but is not limited to the name, address, date of birth, telephone number, driver’s license number, nonoperator’s identification card number, social security number, student identification number, military identification number, alien identification or citizenship status number, employer identification number, signature, electronic mail signature, electronic identifier or screen name, biometric identifier, genetic identification information, access device, logo, symbol, trademark, place of employment, employee identification number, parent’s legal surname prior to marriage, demand deposit account number, savings or checking account number, or credit card number of a person.

b. For purposes of this section, “financial institution” means the same as defined in section 527.2, and includes an insurer organized under Title XIII, subtitle 1,1 of this Code, or under the laws of any other state or the United States.

2. A person commits the offense of identity theft if the person fraudulently uses or attempts to fraudulently use identification information of another person, with the intent to obtain credit, property, services, or other benefit.

3. a. If the value of the credit, property, services, or other benefit exceeds ten thousand dollars, the person commits a class “C” felony.

b. If the value of the credit, property, services, or other benefit exceeds one thousand five hundred dollars but does not exceed ten thousand dollars, the person commits a class “D” felony.

c. If the value of the credit, property, services, or other benefit does not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars, the person commits an aggravated misdemeanor.

4. A violation of this section is an unlawful practice under section 714.16.

5. Violations of this section shall be prosecuted in any of the following venues:

a. In the county in which the violation occurred.

b. If the violation was committed in more than one county, or if the elements of the offense were committed in more than one county, then in any county where any violation occurred or where an element of the offense occurred.

c. In the county where the victim resides.

d. In the county where the property that was fraudulently used or attempted to be used was located at the time of the violation.

6. Any real or personal property obtained by a person as a result of a violation of this section, including but not limited to any money, interest, security, claim, contractual right, or financial instrument that is in the possession of the person, shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture pursuant to chapter 809A. A victim injured by a violation of this section, or a financial institution that has indemnified a victim injured by a violation of this section, may file a claim as an interest holder pursuant to section 809A.11 for payment of damages suffered by the victim including costs of recovery and reasonable attorney fees.

7. A financial institution may file a complaint regarding a violation of this section on behalf of a victim and shall have the same rights and privileges as the victim if the financial institution has indemnified the victim for such violations.

8. Upon the request of a victim, a peace officer in any jurisdiction described in subsection 5 shall take a report regarding an alleged violation of this section and shall provide a copy of the report to the victim. The report may also be provided to any other law enforcement agency in any of the jurisdictions described in subsection 5.