{"id":6628,"date":"2024-11-07T23:20:17","date_gmt":"2024-11-07T23:20:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=6628"},"modified":"2025-06-28T13:02:47","modified_gmt":"2025-06-28T13:02:47","slug":"identity-fraud-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/identity-fraud-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Identity Fraud in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"6628\" class=\"elementor elementor-6628\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-478c686c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"478c686c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-761f70b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"761f70b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/id-theft.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-7118\" alt=\"Hand reaching out from computer screen stealing credit card from wallet.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/id-theft.png 1024w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/id-theft-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/id-theft-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/id-theft-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9e2629 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f9e2629\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Identity fraud in Massachusetts involves using someone else&#8217;s personal information without permission to commit fraud or other crimes. This can include using someone\u2019s name, Social Security number, or financial details to obtain money, goods, services, or evade law enforcement. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 37E, the offense carries serious penalties, including up to 2.5 years in jail or prison, fines up to $5,000, and restitution to the victim. Victims can also file civil lawsuits for damages caused by identity fraud.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7dd010f elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"7dd010f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/B4uildSEPe0?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f5dc4be elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"f5dc4be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"boomdevs-toc-widget.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        \n            \n            <div class=\"fit_content\">\n                <div class=\"bd_toc_container\" data-fixedWidth=\"\">\n                    <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper\" data-wrapperPadding=\"48px\">\n                        <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper_item\">\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_header active\" data-headerPadding=\"2px\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_header_title\">\n                                    Table of Contents                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_switcher_hide_show_icon\">\n                                    <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_content list-type-number\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_content_list \">\n                                    <div class='bd_toc_content_list_item'>    <ul>\n      <li class=\"first\">\n        <a href=\"#what-are-the-different-types-of-identity-fraud-in-massachusetts\">What Are the Different Types of Identity Fraud in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-are-the-elements-of-identity-fraud-by-posing-as-another-in-massachusetts\">What Are the Elements of Identity Fraud by Posing as Another in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-are-the-elements-of-identity-fraud-by-obtaining-personal-information-in-massachusetts\">What Are the Elements of Identity Fraud by Obtaining Personal Information in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-are-the-elements-of-identity-fraud-by-possessing-a-data-theft-device-in-massachusetts\">What Are the Elements of Identity Fraud by Possessing a Data Theft Device in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-is-personal-identifying-information-in-massachusetts\">What Is Personal Identifying Information in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#is-identity-fraud-a-felony-in-massachusetts\">Is Identity Fraud a Felony in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-are-the-penalties-for-identity-fraud-in-massachusetts\">What Are the Penalties for Identity Fraud in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-is-the-identity-theft-law-in-massachusetts\">What Is the Identity Theft Law in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-can-be-considered-identity-theft-in-massachusetts\">What Can Be Considered Identity Theft in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#do-identity-thieves-go-to-jail-in-massachusetts\">Do Identity Thieves Go to Jail in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-falls-under-identity-fraud-in-massachusetts\">What Falls Under Identity Fraud in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-is-the-statute-of-limitations-on-identity-theft-in-massachusetts\">What Is the Statute of Limitations on Identity Theft in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li class=\"last\">\n        <a href=\"#see-how-affordable-we-are\">See How Affordable We Are<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n<\/div>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"layout_toggle_button\">\n                        <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n    \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-90ee98d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"90ee98d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-are-the-different-types-of-identity-fraud-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Are the Different Types of Identity Fraud in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eb0502e elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"eb0502e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/woJAN4ZOlv8?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2dea07e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2dea07e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Under Massachusetts law, there are three main forms of identity fraud. They are:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Identity fraud by posing as another,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Identity fraud by obtaining personal information, and<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Identity fraud by possessing a data theft device.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>These three criminal charges all address the same basic issue of identity theft. They differ in the manner in which the crime is committed but are all <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/massachusetts-criminal-law-process\/\">prosecuted in court<\/a> the same.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8247422 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8247422\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-are-the-elements-of-identity-fraud-by-posing-as-another-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Are the Elements of Identity Fraud by Posing as Another in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d692ae elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"9d692ae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/__8TYDYybsk?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-878bd2a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"878bd2a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>To be found guilty of identity fraud by posing as another in Massachusetts, the Commonwealth must prove 4 things beyond a reasonable doubt:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you posed as another person,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you did so without that person\u2019s express authorization,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you used that person\u2019s personal identifying information to obtain something of value or harass another person, and<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you did so with the intent to defraud.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7aa250f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7aa250f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-are-the-elements-of-identity-fraud-by-obtaining-personal-information-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Are the Elements of Identity Fraud by Obtaining Personal Information in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1729f2c elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"1729f2c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/8b2q2Waz9TE?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14feaa5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"14feaa5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The government must prove 5 things for you to be convicted of identity fraud by obtaining personal information in Massachusetts<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you obtained personal identifying information of someone else,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you did so without that person\u2019s express authorization,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you did so with the intent to pose as someone or assist another person as posing as someone,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you used that person\u2019s personal identifying information to obtain something of value or harass another person, and<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you did so with the intent to defraud.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e259daa elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e259daa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-are-the-elements-of-identity-fraud-by-possessing-a-data-theft-device-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Are the Elements of Identity Fraud by Possessing a Data Theft Device in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2399af5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"2399af5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/yiaCGKOmn1A?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41dd3f1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"41dd3f1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In Massachusetts, you could be found guilty of identity fraud by possessing a data theft device if the prosecutor can prove 3 things beyond a reasonable doubt:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you possessed a device,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That the device was designed to access certain types of financial, identification or login data, and<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>With the intent for you, or someone else to use, the device to commit a larceny.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3738480 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3738480\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-is-personal-identifying-information-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Is Personal Identifying Information in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df3b51d elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"df3b51d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/sB48soZI01o?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d691602 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d691602\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In Massachusetts, personal identifying information (PII) for identity theft purposes includes any data that can uniquely identify an individual. This can include details such as a person&#8217;s:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>full name,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Social Security number,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>driver&#8217;s license number,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>state-issued identification card number,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>financial account numbers (including credit or debit card numbers), and<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>other information like biometric data.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The unauthorized use of any of this information to commit fraud or steal someone&#8217;s identity is considered identity theft, which can lead to serious legal penalties.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7c3da0b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7c3da0b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='is-identity-fraud-a-felony-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Is Identity Fraud a Felony in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f094b61 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"f094b61\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/zeLsYFgVBxc?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f07612 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7f07612\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"213\">In Massachusetts, identity fraud is not considered a felony. It\u2019s a misdemeanor, even though it can still lead to serious penalties. A conviction can mean up to two and a half years in jail and fines up to $5,000.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"215\" data-end=\"458\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Even though it\u2019s not a felony, a misdemeanor conviction can still affect your life. It shows up on background checks and can hurt your chances of getting a job or housing. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to understand the charge and what\u2019s at stake.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9c1a73f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9c1a73f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-are-the-penalties-for-identity-fraud-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Are the Penalties for Identity Fraud in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bec30f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"bec30f2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/2Q4qcwCbqEE?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b35fb18 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b35fb18\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The penalties for identity fraud in Massachusetts are serious. If convicted, you may face up to <strong>2.5 years in jail<\/strong>\u00a0depending on the severity of the crime and the financial loss caused to the victim. Fines of up to <strong>$5,000<\/strong> can also be imposed.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>In addition to criminal penalties, offenders may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim. Restitution is meant to compensate the victim for financial losses, such as:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>unauthorized purchases,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>bank fraud, or<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>new credit card accounts opened in their name.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Identity thieves can also face lawsuits brought by victims, seeking further compensation for damages.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42a1f5d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"42a1f5d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-is-the-identity-theft-law-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Is the Identity Theft Law in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-844af99 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"844af99\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/QV5aADe8oCo?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1eb1459 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1eb1459\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The primary law governing identity fraud in Massachusetts is <strong>Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 37E<\/strong>. This law specifically addresses crimes involving the use of another person\u2019s identification for fraudulent purposes. It covers not just financial fraud but also other forms of harm caused by the use of personal information.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The law also establishes that victims of identity theft have the right to file police reports, access free copies of their credit reports, and seek legal remedies. These protections are essential in helping victims restore their financial health and security after a crime has occurred.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-548bd3a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"548bd3a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-can-be-considered-identity-theft-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Can Be Considered Identity Theft in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7c83988 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"7c83988\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/snwht-NMkv0?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-64cd4da elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"64cd4da\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Identity theft encompasses a wide range of actions, including using someone else&#8217;s personal information to:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>open newcredit card accounts,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>apply for loans,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>file false tax returns, or even<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>collect unemployment benefits.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>These actions are illegal and can result in criminal offenses under both state and <strong>federal law<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Examples of identity theft include using another person\u2019s <strong>Social Security number<\/strong>, <strong>driver\u2019s license number<\/strong>, or <strong>bank account information<\/strong> without their permission. Even using someone else\u2019s <strong>date of birth<\/strong> or <strong>employment information<\/strong> to commit fraud is considered identity theft. Victims of identity theft may first notice signs of fraud when they see unexplained charges on their credit card statements or receive phone calls from debt collectors.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c881c3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c881c3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='do-identity-thieves-go-to-jail-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Do Identity Thieves Go to Jail in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cb37a26 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"cb37a26\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/rd7d1Z0jKD8?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9f91744 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9f91744\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Yes, identity thieves often face <strong>jail time<\/strong> in Massachusetts. The amount of time spent in jail or prison depends on the scale of the crime, the amount of financial damage caused, and whether the defendant has a prior criminal record. Repeat offenders or those involved in <strong>aggravated identity theft<\/strong> face harsher penalties.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>In addition to jail sentences, identity thieves may be subject to lengthy probation periods, during which they must avoid further criminal activity. They may also be required to complete financial restitution to victims, pay fines, and adhere to other legal obligations imposed by the court.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9225d7d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9225d7d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-falls-under-identity-fraud-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_11\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Falls Under Identity Fraud in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5f6919d elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"5f6919d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/izkDahkRxTs?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7807a43 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7807a43\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Identity fraud includes any activity in which a specific person uses someone else\u2019s personal information to commit fraud or avoid detection. This can include applying for a:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>driver\u2019s license,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>bank account, or<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>employment benefits<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>using another individual\u2019s identity. Fraudsters often target victims by intercepting <strong>outgoing mail<\/strong> or through online contact forms designed to capture sensitive information.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Offenders may also engage in wire fraud, in which they impersonate someone else over the phone or the internet. They may place fraudulent orders using stolen credit card information or attempt to sell auction site items under a false identity.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-facfab8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"facfab8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-is-the-statute-of-limitations-on-identity-theft-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_12\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Is the Statute of Limitations on Identity Theft in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9ffb6d elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"f9ffb6d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/BFKBSkmoEUE?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7c258a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a7c258a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The statute of limitations for identity theft in Massachusetts is typically <strong>six years<\/strong>. This means that law enforcement must begin investigating and prosecuting the case within six years of the crime taking place. However, if the crime involves certain aggravating factors, such as large-scale fraud or serious financial loss, the statute of limitations may be extended.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For victims, reporting the crime as soon as possible is crucial in preventing further harm. Filing a police report with the local police department and contacting the Federal Trade Commission can also help in tracking down the identity thief and recovering lost funds.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73ad03d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"73ad03d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='conclusion'  id=\"boomdevs_13\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conclusion<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c86f6ad elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"c86f6ad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/GjT6CT78LJM?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-713bd45 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"713bd45\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In conclusion, identity fraud in Massachusetts is a serious crime that can cause long-lasting harm to victims. Understanding the legal definitions of personal identifying information and the consequences of identity theft is crucial for both protecting yourself and recognizing potential fraud. If you suspect you are a victim of identity fraud, taking swift action to report the crime and secure your personal information is essential to minimizing the damage and preventing further misuse.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-004b3c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"004b3c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='see-how-affordable-we-are'  id=\"boomdevs_14\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">See How Affordable We Are<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96fcfb5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"96fcfb5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/AEmIP8eEDII?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-72a985c elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"72a985c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><div id=\"calculatorexpress_com-calculator\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Loading...<\/div>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/calculatorexpress.com\/apps-js\/scripts_embed.js\"><\/script>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n\tvar embed = '<style>iframe#fee-calc{width: 100%;min-width: 900px;border:none;}@media only screen and (max-width: 600px) {iframe#fee-calc { display: block; width:100%;min-width:280px; }<\/style><center><iframe id=\"fee-calc\" src=\"https:\/\/calculatorexpress.com\/API9\/Paul_Whelan_UW\/\" scrolling=\"no\" border=\"no\" onload=\"iFrameResize()\"><\/iframe><\/center>';\r\ndocument.getElementById('calculatorexpress_com-calculator').innerHTML = embed;\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d113044 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"d113044\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/Y441G6781R8?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ad4ed7 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"7ad4ed7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Your freedom is a<br> phone call away <br> 508-453-1250<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Identity fraud in Massachusetts involves using someone else&#8217;s personal information without permission to commit fraud or other crimes. This can include using someone\u2019s name, Social Security number, or financial details to obtain money, goods, services, or evade law enforcement. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 37E, the offense carries serious penalties, including up to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[65],"class_list":["post-6628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-criminal","tag-theft-crimes"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is Identity Fraud in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the legal aspects of identity fraud in Massachusetts, including penalties, what counts as personal information, and steps to protect yourself. This guide also explains what falls under identity theft and how Massachusetts law handles these crimes. Find out what to do if you&#039;re a victim of identity fraud.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/identity-fraud-massachusetts\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is Identity Fraud in Massachusetts? - Afford Law\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn the legal aspects of identity fraud in Massachusetts, including penalties, what counts as personal information, and steps to protect yourself. This guide also explains what falls under identity theft and how Massachusetts law handles these crimes. 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