Texas passes bill to improve payment card fraud prosecution

Posted: May 28, 2019 | Author:

HB 2625 by Rep. Mary Ann Perez (D-Houston) and Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) amends the penal code to create the offense of mass fraudulent use or possession of credit card or debit card information. This change will aid prosecution of persons who are caught with five or more counterfeit cards or card data without the owner’s consent.

The degree of felony charged for the offense rises with the number of cards involved and can be deemed a higher category of offense if the fraud was committed against elderly persons. Restitution to victims could include reimbursement of expenses other than attorneys' fees, such as lost income incurred as a result of the offense.

The bill was approved by unanimous votes in both the House and the Senate and goes to the governor’s desk.

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