American Samoa's governor, Togiola Tulafono, has signed into law legislation that would criminalise acts of fraud against the territory's government.
The measure amends statutes that deal with tampering with public records, by among other things, making this a felony crime instead of a misdemeanour.
The governor says technology continues to advance allowing schemes to trick, steal and gain property or services using counterfeit or illegally obtained government documents.
He says these laws are necessary to deter and punish such conduct.
