§ 100B.004.Confidential Identity in Action for Dissemination of Certain Communications

An identity protection provision, closing the financial exploitation chapter.

"Confidential identity" means a pseudonym and the absence of any other identifying information, including address, telephone number, and social security number.

In an action under either the private claim or the civil penalty section, the court shall: notify the person who is the subject of the action as early as possible that a confidential identity may be used; allow it in all petitions, filings, and other documents; use it in all proceedings and records including on appeal; and maintain the records so as to protect confidentiality.

Note that it covers the attorney general's enforcement action too, not only the private claim — so a victim whose case the state pursues is protected on the same terms.

The protection is well suited to the subject. A victim of financial exploitation has already had their personal and financial information taken, and a public petition setting out how it was obtained would supply the next fraudster with a documented target.

Four categories may know the true identity: the court, a party, an attorney representing a party, and a person authorized by written court order specific to that person. Divulging it without an order is contempt.

Subsection (f): a person is not required to use a confidential identity. Subsection (e) was repealed effective December 4, 2025.