PRIA, Government Policy, Made Personal

Summary

If someone in the United States, trying to cheat, pretends to be a diplomat, consul, or other foreign government official who is officially recognized here, and uses that fake status to ask for, get, or try to get money, papers, documents, or other valuables, they can be punished. They may be fined under federal law, put in prison for up to 10 years, or both.

Title 18, §915

Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Whoever, with intent to defraud within the United States, falsely assumes or pretends to be a diplomatic, consular or other official of a foreign government duly accredited as such to the United States and acts as such, or in such pretended character, demands or obtains or attempts to obtain any money, paper, document, or other thing of value, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on section 232 of title 22, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Foreign Relations and Intercourse (June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title VIII, § 2, 40 Stat. 226; Mar. 28, 1940, ch. 72, § 6, 54 Stat. 80). Reference to “jurisdiction” of the United States was omitted as unnecessary in view of definition of “United States” in section 5 of this title. Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative. Minor changes were made in phraseology.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $5,000”.

§915 Foreign Diplomats, Consuls or Officers