Title 18, Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-102
§917 Red Cross Members or Agents
Title 18 › PART I — CRIMES › CHAPTER 43 — FALSE PERSONATION › § 917
Summary
It is a crime in the United States to pretend to be a member or agent of the American National Red Cross when asking for or taking money or goods. A person who does this can be fined under federal law, jailed for up to 5 years, or both.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §917
Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Whoever, within the United States, falsely or fraudulently holds himself out as or represents or pretends himself to be a member of or an agent for the American National Red Cross for the purpose of soliciting, collecting, or receiving money or material, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on section 4 of title 36, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Patriotic Societies and Observances (Jan. 5, 1905, ch. 23, § 4, 33 Stat. 600; June 23, 1910, ch. 372, § 1, 36 Stat. 604). Section 4 of title 36, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Patriotic Societies and Observances, was divided into this section and section 706 of this title. Reference to “jurisdiction” of the United States was omitted as unnecessary in view of definition of “United States” in section 5 of this title. Reference to offense as a misdemeanor was omitted in view of definitive section 1 of this title. Words “upon conviction thereof” were omitted as punishment cannot be imposed until conviction is secured. Minor changes were made in phraseology.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2001—Pub. L. 107–56 substituted “5 years” for “one year”. 1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $500”.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 917
Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102