Identity theft is generally a financial crime that involves the use of illegally obtained information about another person—such as name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and credit card numbers—in order to use existing credit accounts or open new ones in the other person’s name. When this happens, criminals capture the spending power of another person’s credit while sticking the victims (individuals, financial institutions, merchants) with the bill.

Laws regarding identity theft vary from state to state in their naming, classification, and penalties—with criminal offenses such as “Unauthorized Acquisition or Transfer of Certain Financial Information,” “Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information,” “Unlawful Possession of Personal Identifying Information,” “Identity Theft,” “Identity Fraud,” “False Personation,” or “Criminal Impersonation.”

Laws related to identity theft are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Wyoming, identity theft is addressed under the state's criminal statutes, specifically in the Wyoming Statutes Title 6. Crimes and Offenses, Chapter 3. Offenses Against Property. The relevant laws define and penalize various forms of identity theft. For instance, Wyoming Statute § 6-3-901 defines 'Identity theft' as the use of another person's personal identifying information without authorization for unlawful purposes, including obtaining credit, goods, services, or any other thing of value. The penalties for identity theft in Wyoming can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the crime, the amount of financial loss, and other factors. The state may also have provisions for restitution to victims and measures to help them recover from the financial and credit damage caused by identity theft. It is important for individuals who suspect they have been victims of identity theft to report the crime to law enforcement and take steps to protect their identity and credit. An attorney specializing in identity theft or consumer protection law can provide guidance on the legal remedies available in Wyoming.