Us Code § 1040 - Fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1040 — Fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1040. Fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits

(a) Whoever, in a circumstance described in subsection (b) of this section, knowingly—

(1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device any material fact; or

(2) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation, or makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation,


in any matter involving any benefit authorized, transported, transmitted, transferred, disbursed, or paid in connection with a major disaster declaration under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) or an emergency declaration under section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191), or in connection with any procurement of property or services related to any emergency or major disaster declaration as a prime contractor with the United States or as a subcontractor or supplier on a contract in which there is a prime contract with the United States, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 30 years, or both.

(b) A circumstance described in this subsection is any instance where—

(1) the authorization, transportation, transmission, transfer, disbursement, or payment of the benefit is in or affects interstate or foreign commerce;

(2) the benefit is transported in the mail at any point in the authorization, transportation, transmission, transfer, disbursement, or payment of that benefit; or

(3) the benefit is a record, voucher, payment, money, or thing of value of the United States, or of any department or agency thereof.


(c) In this section, the term "benefit" means any record, voucher, payment, money or thing of value, good, service, right, or privilege provided by the United States, a State or local government, or other entity.

(Added Pub. L. 110–179, §2(a), Jan. 7, 2008, 121 Stat. 2556.)

CHAPTER 49—FUGITIVES FROM JUSTICE

Sec.
1071.
Concealing person from arrest.
1072.
Concealing escaped prisoner.
1073.
Flight to avoid prosecution or giving testimony.
1074.
Flight to avoid prosecution for damaging or destroying any building or other real or personal property.

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1960—Pub. L. 86–449, title II, §202, May 6, 1960, 74 Stat. 87, added item 1074.

About This Section

18 U.S.C. § 1040 is part of Title 18 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 18 U.S.C. § 1040. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1040

What does United States Code § 1040 cover?

Section 1040 ("Fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. 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 Us Code § 1040?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 1040" (Us Code). 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 Us Code law?

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

How does Us Code § 1040 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code 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 Us Code.