Identity theft is also punishable under federal laws. Under federal law, it is illegal to “knowingly transfer or use, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, any unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of Federal law, or that constitutes a felony under any applicable State or local law.”
The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act provides for prison time of up to 15 years and substantial fines.
Interesting: Identity Theft is a Larger Problem on America’s Left Coast