Identity theft is generally a financial crime that involves the use of illegally obtained information about another person—such as name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and credit card numbers—in order to use existing credit accounts or open new ones in the other person’s name. When this happens, criminals capture the spending power of another person’s credit while sticking the victims (individuals, financial institutions, merchants) with the bill.

Laws regarding identity theft vary from state to state in their naming, classification, and penalties—with criminal offenses such as “Unauthorized Acquisition or Transfer of Certain Financial Information,” “Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information,” “Unlawful Possession of Personal Identifying Information,” “Identity Theft,” “Identity Fraud,” “False Personation,” or “Criminal Impersonation.”

Laws related to identity theft are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Oklahoma, identity theft is addressed under the Oklahoma Statutes, Title 21, which encompasses crimes and punishments. Specifically, Section 1533.1 of the Oklahoma Statutes defines identity theft and outlines the associated criminal penalties. The law considers it illegal to willfully and with fraudulent intent obtain personal identifying information of another person, living or dead, real or fictitious, without the consent of that person, and use it in any unlawful way, including obtaining money, credit, goods, services, or property. This crime is a felony, and the penalties can vary depending on the value of the goods, services, or credit obtained or attempted to be obtained. The punishment ranges from fines to imprisonment, or both, and can include restitution to the victims. Additionally, Oklahoma law provides for the possibility of civil remedies for victims seeking to recover damages from the perpetrator. It's important for individuals in Oklahoma to be aware of these laws and the protections they offer against identity theft.