Bill allows skimmer fraud to be prosecuted as organized crime

HB 869 by Rep. Cole Hefner (R-Mt. Pleasant)/Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola), which the Texas Credit Union Association supports, passed the House on April 9, was heard last week by the Senate Criminal Justice committee, and reported favorably from the committee. It has been set on the Senate calendar.

The bill would add "organized crime" language to the statutes in Texas regarding credit card skimmers, providing for more effective prosecution of this crime than allowed by current statute. In addition to the "interception, use, or disclosure of electronic communications," the bill also applies to individuals who install or build skimmers or commit fraud through use of virtual skimmers on computers. 

Law enforcement agencies across the state report that credit card skimming in Texas has drastically increased in recent years.

Contact Jeff Huffman, Texas Credit Union Association, at 469-385-6488 or jhuffman@txcua.coop for more information.