California § 532b - A person who fraudulently represents themselves as a veteran or ex-serviceman of

Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 532b — A person who fraudulently represents themselves as a veteran or ex-serviceman of, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 532b. A person who fraudulently represents themselves as a veteran or ex-serviceman of

(a) A person who fraudulently represents themselves as a veteran or ex-serviceman of a war in which the United States was engaged, in connection with the soliciting of aid or the sale or attempted sale of any property, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (b) A person who fraudulently claims, or presents themselves, to be a veteran or member of the Armed Forces of the United States, the California National Guard, the State Guard, the Naval Militia, the national guard of any other state, or any other reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States, with the intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a person who, orally, in writing, or by wearing any military decoration, fraudulently represents themselves to have been awarded a military decoration, with the intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (2) This offense is an infraction or a misdemeanor, subject to Sections 19.6, 19.7, and 19.8, if the person committing the offense is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States. (d) A person who forges documentation reflecting the awarding of a military decoration that the person has not received for the purposes of obtaining money, property, or receiving a tangible benefit is guilty of a misdemeanor. (e) A person who knowingly, with the intent to impersonate and to deceive, for the purposes of obtaining money, property, or receiving a tangible benefit, misrepresents themselves as a member or veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, the California National Guard, the State Guard, or the Naval Militia by wearing the uniform or military decoration authorized for use by the members or veterans of those forces, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (f) A person who knowingly utilizes falsified military identification for the purposes of obtaining money, property, or receiving a tangible benefit, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (g) A person who knowingly, with the intent to impersonate, for the purposes of promoting a business, charity, or endeavor, misrepresents themselves as a member or veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, the California National Guard, the State Guard, or the Naval Militia by wearing the uniform or military decoration authorized for use by the members or veterans of those forces, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (h) A person who knowingly, with the intent to gain an advantage for employment purposes, misrepresents themselves, as a member or veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, the California National Guard, the State Guard, or the Naval Militia by wearing the uniform or military decoration authorized for use by the members or veterans of those forces, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (i) This section does not apply to face-to-face solicitations involving less than ten dollars ($10). (j) This section, Section 3003 of the Government Code, and Section 1821 of the Military and Veterans Code shall be known, and may be cited as, the California Stolen Valor Act. (k) For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings: (1) “Military decoration” means any decoration or medal from the Armed Forces of the United States, the California National Guard, the State Guard, or the Naval Militia, or any service medals or badges awarded to the members of those forces, or the ribbon, button, or rosette of that badge, decoration, or medal, or any colorable imitation of that item. (2) “Tangible benefit” means financial remuneration, an effect on the outcome of a criminal or civil court proceeding, or any benefit relating to service in the military that is provided by a federal, state, or local governmental entity.

Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About California § 532b

What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 532b cover?

Section 532b ("A person who fraudulently represents themselves as a veteran or ex-serviceman of") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite California § 532b?

A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 532b" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of California law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.

How does California § 532b apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.