Identity Theft Laws in Nevada

Defining Identity Theft

NRS 205.463 makes it a crime to use personal identifying information of another individual with the intent to fraudulently obtain credit, property or services. It also takes into account computer and Internet technology, and makes it a crime to aid or abet another person in securing this personal identifying information. Anyone convicted of using another person’s identity can be punished with up to twenty years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Nevada Identity Theft Passport

NRS 205.4651 requires the Nevada Office of the Attorney General to accept applications for and issue Identity Theft Passports to Nevada residents who are victims of identity theft.

Victims of identity theft are first required to file a report at their local law enforcement office. They will inform you on how to apply for the Identity Theft Passport through the Attorney General’s Office. Victims can use the Passport as another identifying measure when dealing with creditors and law enforcement as they work to clean up their financial records.

Credit Security Freeze Laws

NRS 598C.300 allows Nevada residents to request that their credit records be frozen for a small fee. This fee is waived for victims of identity theft. The credit freeze request must be made in writing to the three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion and Experian). The agencies are given five days from receipt of the request to activate the freeze. The freeze ensures that residents' confidential credit file information cannot be given out to any firm and new credit cannot be issued unless and until the resident provides a written authority to release the information.