---
kind: "range"
citation: "18 U.S.C. §§ 1028–1030"
title: "18"
from: "1028"
to: "1030"
count: 4
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/18/1028..1030"
---

# §1028. Fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents, authentication features, and information

- (a) Whoever, in a circumstance described in [subsection (c)](#c) of this section—
  - (1) knowingly and without lawful authority [produces](#d-9) an [identification document](#d-3), [authentication feature](#d-1), or a [false identification document](#d-4);
  - (2) knowingly [transfers](#d-10) an [identification document](#d-3), [authentication feature](#d-1), or a [false identification document](#d-4) knowing that such document or feature was stolen or produced without lawful authority;
  - (3) knowingly possesses with intent to use unlawfully or [transfer](#d-10) unlawfully five or more [identification documents](#d-3) (other than those issued lawfully for the use of the possessor), [authentication features](#d-1), or [false identification documents](#d-4);
  - (4) knowingly possesses an [identification document](#d-3) (other than one issued lawfully for the use of the possessor), [authentication feature](#d-1), or a [false identification document](#d-4), with the intent such document or feature be used to defraud the [United States](/usc/18/5.md);
  - (5) knowingly [produces](#d-9), [transfers](#d-10), or possesses a [document-making implement](#d-2) or [authentication feature](#d-1) with the intent such [document-making implement](#d-2) or [authentication feature](#d-1) will be used in the production of a [false identification document](#d-4) or another [document-making implement](#d-2) or [authentication feature](#d-1) which will be so used;
  - (6) knowingly possesses an [identification document](#d-3) or [authentication feature](#d-1) that is or appears to be an [identification document](#d-3) or [authentication feature](#d-1) of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) or a sponsoring entity of an event designated as a special event of national significance which is stolen or produced without lawful authority knowing that such document or feature was stolen or produced without such authority;
  - (7) knowingly [transfers](#d-10), possesses, or uses, without lawful authority, a [means of identification](#d-7) of another person with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, or in connection with, any unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of Federal law, or that constitutes a felony under any applicable [State](#d-11) or local law; or
  - (8) knowingly [traffics](#d-12) in false or actual [authentication features](#d-1) for use in [false identification documents](#d-4), [document-making implements](#d-2), or [means of identification](#d-7);

  shall be punished as provided in [subsection (b)](#b) of this section.

- (b) The punishment for an offense under [subsection (a)](#a) of this section is—
  - (1) except as provided in paragraphs [(3)](#b-3) and [(4)](#b-4), a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than 15 years, or both, if the offense is—
    - (A) the production or [transfer](#d-10) of an [identification document](#d-3), [authentication feature](#d-1), or [false identification document](#d-4) that is or appears to be—
      - (i) an [identification document](#d-3) or [authentication feature](#d-1) issued by or under the authority of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md); or
      - (ii) a birth certificate, or a driver’s license or [personal identification card](#d-8);
    - (B) the production or [transfer](#d-10) of more than five [identification documents](#d-3), [authentication features](#d-1), or [false identification documents](#d-4);
    - (C) an offense under [paragraph (5)](#b-5) of such subsection; or
    - (D) an offense under paragraph (7) of such subsection that involves the [transfer](#d-10), possession, or use of 1 or more [means of identification](#d-7) if, as a result of the offense, any individual committing the offense obtains anything of value aggregating $1,000 or more during any 1-year period;
  - (2) except as provided in paragraphs [(3)](#b-3) and [(4)](#b-4), a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, if the offense is—
    - (A) any other production, [transfer](#d-10), or use of a [means of identification](#d-7), an [identification document](#d-3),,[^1] [authentication feature](#d-1), or a [false identification document](#d-4); or
    - (B) an offense under paragraph [(3)](#b-3) or (7) of such subsection;
  - (3) a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or both, if the offense is committed—
    - (A) to facilitate a drug trafficking crime (as defined in [section 929(a)(2)](/usc/18/929.md?p=a-2));
    - (B) in connection with a [crime of violence](/usc/18/3771A.md?p=a-8) (as defined in [section 924(c)(3)](/usc/18/924.md?p=c-3)); or
    - (C) after a prior conviction under this section becomes final;
  - (4) a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than 30 years, or both, if the offense is committed to facilitate an act of domestic terrorism (as defined under [section 2331(5) of this title](/usc/18/2331.md?p=5)) or an act of international terrorism (as defined in [section 2331(1) of this title](/usc/18/2331.md?p=1));
  - (5) in the case of any offense under [subsection (a)](#a), forfeiture to the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) of any personal property used or intended to be used to commit the offense; and
  - (6) a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, in any other case.
- (c) The circumstance referred to in [subsection (a)](#a) of this section is that—
  - (1) the [identification document](#d-3), [authentication feature](#d-1), or [false identification document](#d-4) is or appears to be issued by or under the authority of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) or a sponsoring entity of an event designated as a special event of national significance or the [document-making implement](#d-2) is designed or suited for making such an [identification document](#d-3), [authentication feature](#d-1), or [false identification document](#d-4);
  - (2) the offense is an offense under [subsection (a)(4)](#a-4) of this section; or
  - (3) either—
    - (A) the production, [transfer](#d-10), possession, or use prohibited by this section is in or affects interstate or [foreign commerce](/usc/18/10.md), including the [transfer](#d-10) of a document by electronic means; or
    - (B) the [means of identification](#d-7), [identification document](#d-3), [false identification document](#d-4), or [document-making implement](#d-2) is transported in the mail in the course of the production, [transfer](#d-10), possession, or use prohibited by this section.
- (d) In this section and [section 1028A](/usc/18/1028A.md)—
  - (1) the term “authentication feature” means any hologram, watermark, certification, symbol, code, image, sequence of numbers or letters, or other feature that either individually or in combination with another feature is used by the [issuing authority](#d-6) on an [identification document](#d-3), [document-making implement](#d-2), or [means of identification](#d-7) to determine if the document is counterfeit, altered, or otherwise falsified;
  - (2) the term “document-making implement” means any implement, impression, template, [computer](/usc/18/2256.md?p=6) file, [computer](/usc/18/2256.md?p=6) disc, electronic device, or [computer](/usc/18/2256.md?p=6) hardware or software, that is specifically configured or primarily used for making an [identification document](#d-3), a [false identification document](#d-4), or another document-making implement;
  - (3) the term “identification document” means a document made or issued by or under the authority of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) Government, a [State](#d-11), political subdivision of a [State](#d-11), a sponsoring entity of an event designated as a special event of national significance, a [foreign government](/usc/18/11.md), political subdivision of a [foreign government](/usc/18/11.md), an international governmental or an international quasi-governmental [organization](/usc/18/18.md) which, when completed with information concerning a particular individual, is of a type intended or commonly accepted for the purpose of identification of individuals;
  - (4) the term “false identification document” means a document of a type intended or commonly accepted for the purposes of identification of individuals that—
    - (A) is not issued by or under the authority of a governmental entity or was issued under the authority of a governmental entity but was subsequently altered for purposes of deceit; and
    - (B) appears to be issued by or under the authority of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) Government, a [State](#d-11), a political subdivision of a [State](#d-11), a sponsoring entity of an event designated by the President as a special event of national significance, a [foreign government](/usc/18/11.md), a political subdivision of a [foreign government](/usc/18/11.md), or an international governmental or quasi-governmental [organization](/usc/18/18.md);
  - (5) the term “false authentication feature” means an [authentication feature](#d-1) that—
    - (A) is genuine in origin, but, without the authorization of the [issuing authority](#d-6), has been tampered with or altered for purposes of deceit;
    - (B) is genuine, but has been distributed, or is intended for distribution, without the authorization of the [issuing authority](#d-6) and not in connection with a lawfully made [identification document](#d-3), [document-making implement](#d-2), or [means of identification](#d-7) to which such [authentication feature](#d-1) is intended to be affixed or embedded by the respective [issuing authority](#d-6); or
    - (C) appears to be genuine, but is not;
  - (6) the term “issuing authority”—
    - (A) means any governmental entity or [agency](/usc/18/6.md) that is authorized to issue [identification documents](#d-3), [means of identification](#d-7), or [authentication features](#d-1); and
    - (B) includes the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) Government, a [State](#d-11), a political subdivision of a [State](#d-11), a sponsoring entity of an event designated by the President as a special event of national significance, a [foreign government](/usc/18/11.md), a political subdivision of a [foreign government](/usc/18/11.md), or an international government or quasi-governmental [organization](/usc/18/18.md);
  - (7) the term “means of identification” means any name or number that may be used, alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify a specific individual, including any—
    - (A) name, social security number, date of birth, official [State](#d-11) or government issued driver’s license or identification number, alien registration number, government passport number, employer or taxpayer identification number;
    - (B) unique biometric data, such as fingerprint, voice print, retina or iris image, or other unique physical representation;
    - (C) unique electronic identification number, address, or routing code; or
    - (D) telecommunication identifying information or access device (as defined in [section 1029(e)](/usc/18/1029.md?p=e));
  - (8) the term “personal identification card” means an [identification document](#d-3) issued by a [State](#d-11) or local government solely for the purpose of identification;
  - (9) the term “produce” includes alter, authenticate, or assemble;
  - (10) the term “transfer” includes selecting an [identification document](#d-3), [false identification document](#d-4), or [document-making implement](#d-2) and placing or directing the placement of such [identification document](#d-3), [false identification document](#d-4), or [document-making implement](#d-2) on an online location where it is available to others;
  - (11) the term “State” includes any State of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other commonwealth, possession, or territory of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md); and
  - (12) the term “traffic” means—
    - (A) to transport, [transfer](#d-10), or otherwise dispose of, to another, as consideration for anything of value; or
    - (B) to make or obtain control of with intent to so transport, [transfer](#d-10), or otherwise dispose of.
- (e) This section does not prohibit any lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a law enforcement [agency](/usc/18/6.md) of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), a [State](#d-11), or a political subdivision of a [State](#d-11), or of an intelligence [agency](/usc/18/6.md) of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), or any activity authorized under [chapter 224](/usc/18/chptII-ch224.md) of this title.
- (f) **Attempt and Conspiracy.—** Any person who attempts or conspires to commit any offense under this section shall be subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense, the commission of which was the object of the attempt or conspiracy.
- (g) **Forfeiture Procedures.—** The forfeiture of property under this section, including any seizure and disposition of the property and any related judicial or administrative proceeding, shall be governed by the provisions of section 413 (other than [subsection (d)](#d) of that section) of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 ([21 U.S.C. 853](/usc/21/853.md)).
- (h) **Forfeiture; Disposition.—** In the circumstance in which any person is convicted of a violation of [subsection (a)](#a), the court shall order, in addition to the penalty prescribed, the forfeiture and destruction or other disposition of all illicit [authentication features](#d-1), [identification documents](#d-3), [document-making implements](#d-2), or [means of identification](#d-7).
- (i) **Rule of Construction.—** For purpose of [subsection (a)(7)](#a-7), a single [identification document](#d-3) or [false identification document](#d-4) that contains 1 or more [means of identification](#d-7) shall be construed to be 1 [means of identification](#d-7).

# §1028A. Aggravated identity theft

- (a) **Offenses.—**
  - (1) **In general.—** Whoever, during and in relation to any felony violation enumerated in [subsection (c)](#c), knowingly transfers, possesses, or uses, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person shall, in addition to the punishment provided for such felony, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 2 years.
  - (2) **Terrorism offense.—** Whoever, during and in relation to any felony violation enumerated in [section 2332b(g)(5)(B)](/usc/18/2332b.md?p=g-5-B), knowingly transfers, possesses, or uses, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person or a false identification document shall, in addition to the punishment provided for such felony, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 5 years.
- (b) **Consecutive Sentence.—** Notwithstanding any other provision of law—
  - (1) a court shall not place on probation any person convicted of a violation of this section;
  - (2) except as provided in [paragraph (4)](#b-4), no term of imprisonment imposed on a person under this section shall run concurrently with any other term of imprisonment imposed on the person under any other provision of law, including any term of imprisonment imposed for the felony during which the means of identification was transferred, possessed, or used;
  - (3) in determining any term of imprisonment to be imposed for the felony during which the means of identification was transferred, possessed, or used, a court shall not in any way reduce the term to be imposed for such crime so as to compensate for, or otherwise take into account, any separate term of imprisonment imposed or to be imposed for a violation of this section; and
  - (4) a term of imprisonment imposed on a person for a violation of this section may, in the discretion of the court, run concurrently, in whole or in part, only with another term of imprisonment that is imposed by the court at the same time on that person for an additional violation of this section, provided that such discretion shall be exercised in accordance with any applicable guidelines and policy statements issued by the Sentencing Commission pursuant to [section 994 of title 28](/usc/28/994.md).
- (c) **Definition.—** For purposes of this section, the term “felony violation enumerated in [subsection (c)](#c)” means any offense that is a felony violation of—
  - (1) [section 641](/usc/18/641.md) (relating to theft of public money, property, or rewards[^1]), [section 656](/usc/18/656.md) (relating to theft, embezzlement, or misapplication by bank [officer or employee](/usc/18/202.md?p=a)), or [section 664](/usc/18/664.md) (relating to theft from [employee](/usc/18/202.md?p=c) benefit plans);
  - (2) [section 911](/usc/18/911.md) (relating to false personation of citizenship);
  - (3) [section 922(a)(6)](/usc/18/922.md?p=a-6) (relating to false statements in connection with the acquisition of a [firearm](/usc/18/249.md?p=c-3));
  - (4) any provision contained in this chapter (relating to fraud and false statements), other than this section or [section 1028(a)(7)](/usc/18/1028.md?p=a-7);
  - (5) any provision contained in [chapter 63](/usc/18/chptI-ch63.md) (relating to mail, bank, and wire fraud);
  - (6) any provision contained in [chapter 69](/usc/18/chptI-ch69.md) (relating to nationality and citizenship);
  - (7) any provision contained in [chapter 75](/usc/18/chptI-ch75.md) (relating to passports and visas);
  - (8) section 523 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ([15 U.S.C. 6823](/usc/15/6823.md)) (relating to obtaining customer information by false pretenses);
  - (9) section [243](/usc/18/243.md) or 266 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ([8 U.S.C. 1253](/usc/8/1253.md) and 1306) (relating to willfully failing to leave the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) after deportation and creating a counterfeit alien registration card);
  - (10) any provision contained in chapter 8 of title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act ([8 U.S.C. 1321](/usc/8/1321.md) et seq.) (relating to various immigration offenses); or
  - (11) section 208, 811, 1107(b), 1128B(a), or 1632 of the Social Security Act ([42 U.S.C. 408](/usc/42/408.md), 1011, 1307(b), 1320a–7b(a), and 1383a) (relating to false statements relating to programs under the Act).

# §1029. Fraud and related activity in connection with access devices

- (a) Whoever—
  - (1) knowingly and with intent to defraud [produces](#e-4), uses, or [traffics](#e-5) in one or more [counterfeit access devices](#e-2);
  - (2) knowingly and with intent to defraud [traffics](#e-5) in or uses one or more [unauthorized access devices](#e-3) during any one-year period, and by such conduct obtains anything of value aggregating $1,000 or more during that period;
  - (3) knowingly and with intent to defraud possesses fifteen or more devices which are counterfeit or [unauthorized access devices](#e-3);
  - (4) knowingly, and with intent to defraud, [produces](#e-4), [traffics](#e-5) in, has control or custody of, or possesses [device-making equipment](#e-6);
  - (5) knowingly and with intent to defraud effects transactions, with 1 or more [access devices](#e-1) issued to another person or persons, to receive payment or any other thing of value during any 1-year period the aggregate value of which is equal to or greater than $1,000;
  - (6) without the authorization of the issuer of the [access device](#e-1), knowingly and with intent to defraud solicits a person for the purpose of—
    - (A) offering an [access device](#e-1); or
    - (B) selling information regarding or an application to obtain an [access device](#e-1);
  - (7) knowingly and with intent to defraud uses, [produces](#e-4), [traffics](#e-5) in, has control or custody of, or possesses a telecommunications instrument that has been modified or altered to obtain unauthorized use of [telecommunications services](#e-9);
  - (8) knowingly and with intent to defraud uses, [produces](#e-4), [traffics](#e-5) in, has control or custody of, or possesses a [scanning receiver](#e-8);
  - (9) knowingly uses, [produces](#e-4), [traffics](#e-5) in, has control or custody of, or possesses hardware or software, knowing it has been configured to insert or modify [telecommunication identifying information](#e-11) associated with or contained in a telecommunications instrument so that such instrument may be used to obtain [telecommunications service](#e-9) without authorization; or
  - (10) without the authorization of the [credit card system member](#e-7) or its agent, knowingly and with intent to defraud causes or arranges for another person to present to the member or its agent, for payment, 1 or more evidences or records of transactions made by an [access device](#e-1);

  shall, if the offense affects interstate or [foreign commerce](/usc/18/10.md), be punished as provided in [subsection (c)](#c) of this section.

- (b)
  - (1) Whoever attempts to commit an offense under [subsection (a)](#a) of this section shall be subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense attempted.
  - (2) Whoever is a party to a conspiracy of two or more persons to commit an offense under [subsection (a)](#a) of this section, if any of the parties engages in any conduct in furtherance of such offense, shall be fined an amount not greater than the amount provided as the maximum fine for such offense under [subsection (c)](#c) of this section or imprisoned not longer than one-half the period provided as the maximum imprisonment for such offense under [subsection (c)](#c) of this section, or both.
- (c) **Penalties.—**
  - (1) **Generally.—** The punishment for an offense under [subsection (a)](#a) of this section is—
    - (A) in the case of an offense that does not occur after a conviction for another offense under this section—
      - (i) if the offense is under paragraph [(1)](#a-1), [(2)](#a-2), [(3)](#a-3), [(6)](#a-6), [(7)](#a-7), or [(10)](#a-10) of subsection (a), a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both; and
      - (ii) if the offense is under paragraph [(4)](#a-4), [(5)](#a-5), [(8)](#a-8), or [(9)](#a-9) of subsection (a), a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than 15 years, or both;
    - (B) in the case of an offense that occurs after a conviction for another offense under this section, a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or both; and
    - (C) in either case, forfeiture to the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) of any personal property used or intended to be used to commit the offense.
  - (2) **Forfeiture procedure.—** The forfeiture of property under this section, including any seizure and disposition of the property and any related administrative and judicial proceeding, shall be governed by section 413 of the Controlled Substances Act, except for [subsection (d)](#d) of that section.
- (d) The [United States](/usc/18/5.md) Secret Service shall, in addition to any other [agency](/usc/18/6.md) having such authority, have the authority to investigate offenses under this section. Such authority of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) Secret Service shall be exercised in accordance with an agreement which shall be entered into by the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General.
- (e) As used in this section—
  - (1) the term “access device” means any card, plate, code, account number, electronic serial number, mobile identification number, personal identification number, or other [telecommunications service](#e-9), equipment, or instrument identifier, or other means of account access that can be used, alone or in conjunction with another access device, to obtain money, goods, services, or any other thing of value, or that can be used to initiate a transfer of funds (other than a transfer originated solely by paper instrument);
  - (2) the term “counterfeit access device” means any [access device](#e-1) that is counterfeit, fictitious, altered, or forged, or an identifiable component of an [access device](#e-1) or a counterfeit access device;
  - (3) the term “unauthorized access device” means any [access device](#e-1) that is lost, stolen, expired, revoked, canceled, or obtained with intent to defraud;
  - (4) the term “produce” includes design, alter, authenticate, duplicate, or assemble;
  - (5) the term “traffic” means transfer, or otherwise dispose of, to another, or obtain control of with intent to transfer or dispose of;
  - (6) the term “device-making equipment” means any equipment, mechanism, or impression designed or primarily used for making an [access device](#e-1) or a [counterfeit access device](#e-2);
  - (7) the term “credit card system member” means a [financial institution](/usc/18/20.md) or other entity that is a member of a credit card system, including an entity, whether affiliated with or identical to the credit card issuer, that is the sole member of a credit card system;
  - (8) the term “scanning receiver” means a device or apparatus that can be used to intercept a wire or [electronic communication](/usc/18/3127.md?p=1) in violation of [chapter 119](/usc/18/chptI-ch119.md) or to intercept an electronic serial number, mobile identification number, or other identifier of any [telecommunications service](#e-9), equipment, or instrument;
  - (9) the term “telecommunications service” has the meaning given such term in [section 3](/usc/18/3.md) of title I of the Communications Act of 1934 ([47 U.S.C. 153](/usc/47/153.md));
  - (10) the term “facilities-based carrier” means an entity that owns communications transmission facilities, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of those facilities, and holds an operating license issued by the Federal Communications Commission under the authority of title III of the Communications Act of 1934; and
  - (11) the term “telecommunication identifying information” means electronic serial number or any other number or signal that identifies a specific telecommunications instrument or account, or a specific communication transmitted from a telecommunications instrument.
- (f) This section does not prohibit any lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a law enforcement [agency](/usc/18/6.md) of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), a State, or a political subdivision of a State, or of an intelligence [agency](/usc/18/6.md) of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), or any activity authorized under [chapter 224](/usc/18/chptII-ch224.md) of this title. For purposes of this subsection, the term “State” includes a State of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), the District of Columbia, and any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md).
- (g)
  - (1) It is not a violation of [subsection (a)(9)](#a-9) for an [officer](/usc/18/202.md?p=c), [employee](/usc/18/202.md?p=c), or agent of, or a person engaged in business with, a [facilities-based carrier](#e-10), to engage in conduct (other than trafficking) otherwise prohibited by that subsection for the purpose of protecting the property or legal rights of that carrier, unless such conduct is for the purpose of obtaining [telecommunications service](#e-9) provided by another [facilities-based carrier](#e-10) without the authorization of such carrier.
  - (2) In a prosecution for a violation of [subsection (a)(9)](#a-9), (other than a violation consisting of producing or trafficking) it is an affirmative defense (which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the evidence) that the conduct charged was engaged in for research or development in connection with a lawful purpose.
- (h) Any person who, outside the jurisdiction of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), engages in any act that, if committed within the jurisdiction of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), would constitute an offense under subsection [(a)](#a) or [(b)](#b) of this section, shall be subject to the fines, penalties, imprisonment, and forfeiture provided in this title if the offense involves an [access device](#e-1) issued, owned, managed, or controlled by a [financial institution](/usc/18/20.md), account issuer, [credit card system member](#e-7), or other entity organized under the laws of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), or any [State](/usc/18/402.md), the District of Columbia, or other territory of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md).

# §1030. Fraud and related activity in connection with computers

- (a) Whoever—
  - (1) having knowingly accessed a [computer](#e-1) without authorization or exceeding authorized access, and by means of such conduct having obtained information that has been determined by the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) Government pursuant to an Executive order or statute to require protection against unauthorized disclosure for reasons of national defense or foreign relations, or any restricted data, as defined in paragraph y. of section 11 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, with reason to believe that such information so obtained could be used to the injury of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), or to the advantage of any foreign nation willfully communicates, delivers, transmits, or causes to be communicated, delivered, or transmitted, or attempts to communicate, deliver, transmit or cause to be communicated, delivered, or transmitted the same to any [person](#e-12) not entitled to receive it, or willfully retains the same and fails to deliver it to the [officer or employee](/usc/18/202.md?p=a) of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) entitled to receive it;
  - (2) intentionally accesses a [computer](#e-1) without authorization or [exceeds authorized access](#e-6), and thereby obtains—
    - (A) information contained in a [financial record](#e-5) of a [financial institution](#e-4), or of a card issuer as defined in section 1602(n)[^1] of [title 15](/usc/15.md), or contained in a file of a consumer reporting [agency](/usc/18/6.md) on a consumer, as such terms are defined in the Fair Credit Reporting Act ([15 U.S.C. 1681](/usc/15/1681.md) et seq.);
    - (B) information from any [department](/usc/18/6.md) or [agency](/usc/18/6.md) of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md); or
    - (C) information from any [protected computer](#e-2);
  - (3) intentionally, without authorization to access any nonpublic [computer](#e-1) of a [department](/usc/18/6.md) or [agency](/usc/18/6.md) of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), accesses such a [computer](#e-1) of that [department](/usc/18/6.md) or [agency](/usc/18/6.md) that is exclusively for the use of the Government of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) or, in the case of a [computer](#e-1) not exclusively for such use, is used by or for the Government of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) and such conduct affects that use by or for the Government of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md);
  - (4) knowingly and with intent to defraud, accesses a [protected computer](#e-2) without authorization, or [exceeds authorized access](#e-6), and by means of such conduct furthers the intended fraud and obtains anything of value, unless the object of the fraud and the thing obtained consists only of the use of the [computer](#e-1) and the value of such use is not more than $5,000 in any 1-year period;
  - (5)
    - (A) knowingly causes the transmission of a program, information, code, or command, and as a result of such conduct, intentionally causes [damage](#e-8) without authorization, to a [protected computer](#e-2);
    - (B) intentionally accesses a [protected computer](#e-2) without authorization, and as a result of such conduct, recklessly causes [damage](#e-8); or
    - (C) intentionally accesses a [protected computer](#e-2) without authorization, and as a result of such conduct, causes [damage](#e-8) and [loss](#e-11).[^2]
  - (6) knowingly and with intent to defraud [traffics](/usc/18/2318.md?p=b-2) (as defined in [section 1029](/usc/18/1029.md)) in any password or similar information through which a [computer](#e-1) may be accessed without authorization, if—
    - (A) such trafficking affects interstate or [foreign commerce](/usc/18/10.md); or
    - (B) such [computer](#e-1) is used by or for the Government of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md);[^3]
  - (7) with intent to extort from any [person](#e-12) any money or other thing of value, transmits in interstate or [foreign commerce](/usc/18/10.md) any communication containing any—
    - (A) threat to cause [damage](#e-8) to a [protected computer](#e-2);
    - (B) threat to obtain information from a [protected computer](#e-2) without authorization or in excess of authorization or to impair the confidentiality of information obtained from a [protected computer](#e-2) without authorization or by exceeding authorized access; or
    - (C) demand or request for money or other thing of value in relation to [damage](#e-8) to a [protected computer](#e-2), where such [damage](#e-8) was caused to facilitate the extortion;

  shall be punished as provided in [subsection (c)](#c) of this section.

- (b) Whoever conspires to commit or attempts to commit an offense under [subsection (a)](#a) of this section shall be punished as provided in [subsection (c)](#c) of this section.
- (c) The punishment for an offense under subsection [(a)](#a) or [(b)](#b) of this section is—
  - (1)
    - (A) a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than ten years, or both, in the case of an offense under [subsection (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section which does not occur after a [conviction](#e-10) for another offense under this section, or an attempt to commit an offense punishable under this subparagraph; and
    - (B) a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than twenty years, or both, in the case of an offense under [subsection (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section which occurs after a [conviction](#e-10) for another offense under this section, or an attempt to commit an offense punishable under this subparagraph;
  - (2)
    - (A) except as provided in [subparagraph (B)](#c-2-B), a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, in the case of an offense under subsection [(a)(2)](#a-2), [(a)(3)](#a-3), or [(a)(6)](#a-6) of this section which does not occur after a [conviction](#e-10) for another offense under this section, or an attempt to commit an offense punishable under this subparagraph;
    - (B) a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, in the case of an offense under [subsection (a)(2)](#a-2), or an attempt to commit an offense punishable under this subparagraph, if—
      - (i) the offense was committed for purposes of commercial advantage or private financial gain;
      - (ii) the offense was committed in furtherance of any criminal or tortious act in violation of the Constitution or laws of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) or of any [State](#e-3); or
      - (iii) the value of the information obtained exceeds $5,000; and
    - (C) a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than ten years, or both, in the case of an offense under subsection [(a)(2)](#a-2), [(a)(3)](#a-3) or [(a)(6)](#a-6) of this section which occurs after a [conviction](#e-10) for another offense under this section, or an attempt to commit an offense punishable under this subparagraph;
  - (3)
    - (A) a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, in the case of an offense under subsection [(a)(4)](#a-4) or [(a)(7)](#a-7) of this section which does not occur after a [conviction](#e-10) for another offense under this section, or an attempt to commit an offense punishable under this subparagraph; and
    - (B) a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than ten years, or both, in the case of an offense under [subsection (a)(4)](#a-4),[^4] or (a)(7) of this section which occurs after a [conviction](#e-10) for another offense under this section, or an attempt to commit an offense punishable under this subparagraph;
  - (4)
    - (A) except as provided in subparagraphs [(E)](#c-4-E) and [(F)](#c-4-F), a fine under this title, imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, in the case of—
      - (i) an offense under [subsection (a)(5)(B)](#a-5-B), which does not occur after a [conviction](#e-10) for another offense under this section, if the offense caused (or, in the case of an attempted offense, would, if completed, have caused)—
        - (I) [loss](#e-11) to 1 or more [persons](#e-12) during any 1-year period (and, for purposes of an investigation, prosecution, or other proceeding brought by the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) only, [loss](#e-11) resulting from a related course of conduct affecting 1 or more other [protected computers](#e-2)) aggregating at least $5,000 in value;
        - (II) the modification or impairment, or potential modification or impairment, of the medical examination, diagnosis, treatment, or care of 1 or more individuals;
        - (III) physical injury to any [person](#e-12);
        - (IV) a threat to public health or safety;
        - (V) [damage](#e-8) affecting a [computer](#e-1) used by or for an entity of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) Government in furtherance of the administration of justice, national defense, or national security; or
        - (VI) [damage](#e-8) affecting 10 or more [protected computers](#e-2) during any 1-year period; or
      - (ii) an attempt to commit an offense punishable under this subparagraph;
    - (B) except as provided in subparagraphs [(E)](#c-4-E) and [(F)](#c-4-F), a fine under this title, imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both, in the case of—
      - (i) an offense under [subsection (a)(5)(A)](#a-5-A), which does not occur after a [conviction](#e-10) for another offense under this section, if the offense caused (or, in the case of an attempted offense, would, if completed, have caused) a harm provided in [subclauses (I) through (VI)](#c-4-A-i-I..c-4-A-i-VI) of subparagraph (A)(i); or
      - (ii) an attempt to commit an offense punishable under this subparagraph;
    - (C) except as provided in subparagraphs [(E)](#c-4-E) and [(F)](#c-4-F), a fine under this title, imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or both, in the case of—
      - (i) an offense or an attempt to commit an offense under subparagraphs [(A)](#a-5-A) or [(B)](#a-5-B) of subsection (a)(5) that occurs after a [conviction](#e-10) for another offense under this section; or
      - (ii) an attempt to commit an offense punishable under this subparagraph;
    - (D) a fine under this title, imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both, in the case of—
      - (i) an offense or an attempt to commit an offense under [subsection (a)(5)(C)](#a-5-C) that occurs after a [conviction](#e-10) for another offense under this section; or
      - (ii) an attempt to commit an offense punishable under this subparagraph;
    - (E) if the offender attempts to cause or knowingly or recklessly causes [serious bodily injury](/usc/18/113.md?p=b-2) from conduct in violation of [subsection (a)(5)(A)](#a-5-A), a fine under this title, imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or both;
    - (F) if the offender attempts to cause or knowingly or recklessly causes death from conduct in violation of [subsection (a)(5)(A)](#a-5-A), a fine under this title, imprisonment for any term of years or for life, or both; or
    - (G) a fine under this title, imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both, for—
      - (i) any other offense under [subsection (a)(5)](#a-5); or
      - (ii) an attempt to commit an offense punishable under this subparagraph.
- (d)
  - (1) The [United States](/usc/18/5.md) Secret Service shall, in addition to any other [agency](/usc/18/6.md) having such authority, have the authority to investigate offenses under this section.
  - (2) The Federal Bureau of Investigation shall have primary authority to investigate offenses under [subsection (a)(1)](#a-1) for any cases involving espionage, foreign counterintelligence, information protected against unauthorized disclosure for reasons of national defense or foreign relations, or Restricted Data (as that term is defined in section 11y of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 ([42 U.S.C. 2014(y)](/usc/42/2014.md?p=y)), except for offenses affecting the duties of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) Secret Service pursuant to [section 3056(a) of this title](/usc/18/3056.md?p=a).
  - (3) Such authority shall be exercised in accordance with an agreement which shall be entered into by the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General.
- (e) As used in this section—
  - (1) the term “computer” means an electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high speed data processing device performing logical, arithmetic, or storage functions, and includes any data storage facility or communications facility directly related to or operating in conjunction with such device, but such term does not include an automated typewriter or typesetter, a portable hand held calculator, or other similar device;
  - (2) the term “protected computer” means a [computer](#e-1)—
    - (A) exclusively for the use of a [financial institution](#e-4) or the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) Government, or, in the case of a [computer](#e-1) not exclusively for such use, used by or for a [financial institution](#e-4) or the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) Government and the conduct constituting the offense affects that use by or for the [financial institution](#e-4) or the Government;
    - (B) which is used in or affecting interstate or [foreign commerce](/usc/18/10.md) or communication, including a [computer](#e-1) located outside the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) that is used in a manner that affects interstate or [foreign commerce](/usc/18/10.md) or communication of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md); or
    - (C) that—
      - (i) is part of a [voting system](#e-14); and
      - (ii)
        - (I) is used for the management, support, or administration of a [Federal election](#e-13); or
        - (II) has moved in or otherwise affects interstate or [foreign commerce](/usc/18/10.md);
  - (3) the term “State” includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other commonwealth, possession or territory of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md);
  - (4) the term “financial institution” means—
    - (A) an institution, with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;
    - (B) the Federal Reserve or a member of the Federal Reserve including any Federal Reserve Bank;
    - (C) a credit union with accounts insured by the National Credit Union Administration;
    - (D) a member of the Federal home loan bank system and any home loan bank;
    - (E) any institution of the Farm Credit System under the Farm Credit Act of 1971;
    - (F) a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
    - (G) the Securities Investor Protection Corporation;
    - (H) a [branch or agency of a foreign bank](/usc/18/656.md) (as such terms are defined in paragraphs [(1)](/usc/18/1.md) and [(3)](/usc/18/1.md) of section 1(b) of the International Banking Act of 1978); and
    - (I) an [organization](/usc/18/18.md) operating under [section 25](/usc/18/25.md) or [section 25(a)](/usc/18/25.md?p=a)[^1] of the Federal Reserve Act;
  - (5) the term “financial record” means information derived from any record held by a [financial institution](#e-4) pertaining to a customer’s relationship with the [financial institution](#e-4);
  - (6) the term “exceeds authorized access” means to access a [computer](#e-1) with authorization and to use such access to obtain or alter information in the [computer](#e-1) that the accesser is not entitled so to obtain or alter;
  - (7) the term “department of the United States” means the legislative or judicial branch of the Government or one of the executive [departments](/usc/18/6.md) enumerated in [section 101 of title 5](/usc/5/101.md);
  - (8) the term “damage” means any impairment to the integrity or availability of data, a program, a system, or information;
  - (9) the term “government entity” includes the Government of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), any [State](#e-3) or political subdivision of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), any foreign country, and any [state](#e-3), province, municipality, or other political subdivision of a foreign country;
  - (10) the term “conviction” shall include a conviction under the law of any [State](#e-3) for a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year, an element of which is unauthorized access, or exceeding authorized access, to a [computer](#e-1);
  - (11) the term “loss” means any reasonable cost to any victim, including the cost of responding to an offense, conducting a [damage](#e-8) assessment, and restoring the data, program, system, or information to its condition prior to the offense, and any revenue lost, cost incurred, or other consequential [damages](#e-8) incurred because of interruption of service;
  - (12) the term “person” means any individual, firm, corporation, educational institution, [financial institution](#e-4), governmental entity, or legal or other entity;
  - (13) the term “Federal election” means any election (as defined in section 301(1) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ([52 U.S.C. 30101(1)](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1))) for Federal office (as defined in section 301(3) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ([52 U.S.C. 30101(3)](/usc/52/30101.md?p=3))); and
  - (14) the term “voting system” has the meaning given the term in section 301(b) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 ([52 U.S.C. 21081(b)](/usc/52/21081.md?p=b)).
- (f) This section does not prohibit any lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a law enforcement [agency](/usc/18/6.md) of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md), a [State](#e-3), or a political subdivision of a [State](#e-3), or of an intelligence [agency](/usc/18/6.md) of the [United States](/usc/18/5.md).
- (g) Any [person](#e-12) who suffers [damage](#e-8) or [loss](#e-11) by reason of a violation of this section may maintain a civil action against the violator to obtain compensatory [damages](#e-8) and injunctive relief or other equitable relief. A civil action for a violation of this section may be brought only if the conduct involves 1 of the factors set forth in subclauses[^5] (I), (II), (III), (IV), or (V) of [subsection (c)(4)(A)(i)](#c-4-A-i). [Damages](#e-8) for a violation involving only conduct described in [subsection (c)(4)(A)(i)(I)](#c-4-A-i-I) are limited to economic [damages](#e-8). No action may be brought under this subsection unless such action is begun within 2 years of the date of the act complained of or the date of the discovery of the [damage](#e-8). No action may be brought under this subsection for the negligent design or manufacture of [computer](#e-1) hardware, [computer](#e-1) software, or firmware.
- (h) The Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury shall report to the Congress annually, during the first 3 years following the date of the enactment of this subsection, concerning investigations and prosecutions under [subsection (a)(5)](#a-5).
- (i)
  - (1) The court, in imposing sentence on any [person](#e-12) convicted of a violation of this section, or convicted of conspiracy to violate this section, shall order, in addition to any other sentence imposed and irrespective of any provision of [State](#e-3) law, that such [person](#e-12) forfeit to the [United States](/usc/18/5.md)—
    - (A) such [person](#e-12)’s interest in any personal property that was used or intended to be used to commit or to facilitate the commission of such violation; and
    - (B) any property, real or personal, constituting or derived from, any [proceeds](/usc/18/1957.md?p=f-3) that such [person](#e-12) obtained, directly or indirectly, as a result of such violation.
  - (2) The criminal forfeiture of property under this subsection, any seizure and disposition thereof, and any judicial proceeding in relation thereto, shall be governed by the provisions of section 413 of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 ([21 U.S.C. 853](/usc/21/853.md)), except [subsection (d)](/usc/21/853.md?p=d) of that section.
- (j) For purposes of [subsection (i)](#i), the following shall be subject to forfeiture to the [United States](/usc/18/5.md) and no property right shall exist in them:
  - (1) Any personal property used or intended to be used to commit or to facilitate the commission of any violation of this section, or a conspiracy to violate this section.
  - (2) Any property, real or personal, which constitutes or is derived from [proceeds](/usc/18/1957.md?p=f-3) traceable to any violation of this section, or a conspiracy to violate this section[^6]