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HR 3551 105th Congress House

Identity Piracy Act of 1998

Official title: To amend title 18, United States Code, relating to identity fraud, and for other purposes.

Introduced: June 25, 1998 Introduced by: DeLauro, Rosa L. Democratic · Connecticut See on congress.gov
Crime and Law Enforcement Administrative remediesArmed Forces and National SecurityBank fraudBank records
More subjectsShow fewer subjects
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority IssuesCommerceCompensation for victims of crimeCongressCongressional reporting requirementsConspiracyConsumer creditConsumer protectionCounterfeitingCredit cardsCriminal investigationCriminal justice informationCriminal statisticsDebit cardsDebtor and creditor
This bill died when the 105th Congress ended
It never became law before the 105th Congress (1997–1998) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 9 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Apr 6, 1998
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Apr 6, 1998
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Apr 6, 1998
Referred to the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation.
Mar 30, 1998
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.
Mar 30, 1998
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E512-513)
Mar 25, 1998
Referred to House Transportation and Infrastructure
Mar 25, 1998
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Mar 25, 1998
Referred to House Judiciary
Mar 25, 1998
Introduced in House
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 Latest action April 6, 1998

Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Identity Piracy Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit identity fraud. Imposes penalties upon anyone who in interstate or foreign commerce, knowingly and with intent to deceive or defraud: (1) obtains or transfers, or possesses or uses, any personal identifier, identification device, personal information or data, or other document or means of identification of any other entity or person; (2) assumes or uses the identity of any other entity or person; or (3) attempts or conspires with another person to commit such offense.

Authorizes the court to order the defendant to make restitution to any victim, which may include payment for costs, including attorney's fees, incurred by any victim in clearing any credit history or rating relating to the victim, as well as costs incurred in any civil or administrative proceeding required to clear any debt, lien, or other obligation arising as a result of the defendant's activity.

Authorizes the United States Secret Service to investigate any such offense, subject to the terms of an agreement to be entered into by the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General.

Includes within the definition of "contraband" (subject to forfeiture) specified equipment pertaining to identity fraud.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) collect and maintain certain information and statistical data relating to identity fraud; and (2) complete a comprehensive study of the extent, nature, and causes of identity fraud and the threats posed to the Nation's financial institutions and payment systems and consumer safety and privacy; and (3) submit to the Congress specific legislative recommendations.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 6
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 3551: Identity Piracy Act of 1998. 105th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-3551/
MLA
"H.R. 3551: Identity Piracy Act of 1998." 105th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-3551/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 3551, 105th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-3551/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 3551: Identity Piracy Act of 1998](https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-3551/)
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