Is it illegal to say that you're a Federal Agent when you're not?

Question

I know a man who is telling people this to put fear in them and recently found out he is not a federal agent by his daughter slipping up and saying he wasn't. Is this illegal by any standards?

Answer 1

"Whoever falsely assumes or pretends to be an officer or employee acting under the authority of the United States or any department, agency or officer thereof, and acts as such, or in such pretended character demands or obtains any money, paper, document, or thing of value, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both."

http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/us...

Answer 2

It might only be illegal if he is using a real agents name.

Answer 3

Yep its illegal if he is pretending he is to get things out of people or intimidate them.

Answer 4

yes its illegal because thats impersonating an officer.

i dont know if its a federal offense or a felony.

Answer 5

Yes, impersonating a police officer & such is a crime.

Answer 6

Most definitely it is illegal to represent yourself as ANY law enforcement agent... Turn him into the local police

Answer 7

Very illigal

Answer 8

Yes, it's called impersonation!

Answer 9

Yes it's a felony to impersonate a law officer if you're not one.

Answer 10

Extremely ILLEGAL. If you are ever approached by someone claiming to be, request to see their badge. As a safety measure for yourself, you can call police and ask them to confirm a person is employed by them. You can report him (and I would highly recommend doing so) to get him off the streets. He could seriously hurt (or kill) someone and the guilt partially rests on your shoulders if you do nothing. You don't know his full intent by telling people that he is. Better to be safe than sorry. Report him.

Answer 11

I would consider it to be the same as impersonating a law enforcement officer because a federal agent has a higher ranking, but to be sure, check with your local police department and get it reported.... what reason is he trying to scare people?

Answer 12

yes it is illegal

Answer 13

it's called impersonating an officer an is a felony most places carrying abt 5 years in the slammer. you need proof he's doing it then rat him out. if your lucky you have a crime stoppers or similar program that pays rats.

Answer 14

It is illegal for a person to impersonate any law enforcement officer.

Answer 15

Personating a Federal Agent is a very serious crime and if caught could face a hefty fine or even finish up in jail. If confronted by any one stating that  he is a Federal Agent etc,  always ask him show  his badge,  if he refuses then he is acting in a  very suspicious way.