Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-6-525 — Communications fraud., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 76-6-525. Communications fraud.
Effective 5/7/2025
76-6-525.
Communications fraud.
| (1) |
| (a) | As used in this section, "sensitive personal identifying information" means information regarding an individual's:
| (i) | social security number; |
| (ii) | driver license number or other government-issued identification number; |
| (iii) | financial account number or credit or debit card number; |
| (iv) | password or personal identification number or other identification required to gain access to a financial account or a secure website; |
| (v) | automated or electronic signature; |
| (vi) | unique biometric data; or |
| (vii) | any other information that can be used to gain access to an individual's financial accounts or to obtain goods or services. |
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| (b) | Terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 apply to this section. |
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| (2) | An actor commits communications fraud if the actor has devised any scheme or artifice to defraud another or to obtain from another money, property, or anything of value by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, promises, or material omissions, and who communicates directly or indirectly with any person by any means for the purpose of executing or concealing the scheme or artifice. |
| (3) | A violation of Subsection (2) is:
| (a) | a class B misdemeanor when the value of the property, money, or thing obtained or sought to be obtained is less than $500; |
| (b) | a class A misdemeanor when the value of the property, money, or thing obtained or sought to be obtained is or exceeds $500 but is less than $1,500; |
| (c) | a third degree felony when the value of the property, money, or thing obtained or sought to be obtained is or exceeds $1,500 but is less than $5,000; |
| (d) | a second degree felony when the value of the property, money, or thing obtained or sought to be obtained is or exceeds $5,000; and |
| (e) | a second degree felony when the object or purpose of the scheme or artifice to defraud is the obtaining of sensitive personal identifying information, regardless of the value. |
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| (4) | The determination of the degree of an offense under Subsection (2) is measured by the total value of all property, money, or things obtained or sought to be obtained by the scheme or artifice described in Subsection (2) except as provided in Subsection (3)(e). |
| (5) |
| (a) | Reliance on the part of any person is not a necessary element of the offense described in Subsection (2). |
| (b) | An intent on the part of the actor of any offense described in Subsection (2) to permanently deprive any person of property, money, or thing of value is not a necessary element of the offense. |
| (c) | Each separate communication made for the purpose of executing or concealing a scheme or artifice described in Subsection (2) is a separate act and offense of communication fraud. |
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| (6) |
| (a) | To communicate as described in Subsection (2) means to:
| (i) | bestow, convey, make known, recount, or impart; |
| (ii) | give by way of information; |
| (iv) | transmit information. |
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| (b) | Means of communication include use of the mail, telephone, telegraph, radio, television, newspaper, computer, and spoken and written communication. |
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| (7) | An actor may not be convicted under this section unless the pretenses, representations, promises, or material omissions made or omitted were made or omitted intentionally, knowingly, or with a reckless disregard for the truth. |
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
173, 2025 General Session
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 76-6-525
What does Utah Code § 76-6-525 cover?
Section 76-6-525 ("Communications fraud.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. 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 Utah § 76-6-525?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-6-525" (Utah). 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 Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 76-6-525 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
