This bill aims to enhance penalties for identity theft offenses when the victim is a senior citizen or a veteran. It amends N.J.S.2C:21-17 to classify identity theft crimes involving these vulnerable groups at a higher degree than similar offenses against other individuals. Specifically, if the victim is a senior citizen or veteran and the benefit obtained is less than $500, the first offense is elevated to a crime of the third degree, while subsequent offenses are classified as a crime of the second degree. For offenses involving two to five victims or benefits between $500 and $75,000, the crime is elevated to the second degree if any victim is a senior citizen or veteran. Additionally, if the benefit exceeds $75,000 or involves more than five victims, the crime is classified as a first-degree offense when any victim is a senior citizen or veteran.

The bill also increases penalties for trafficking in personal identifying information, particularly when the information is obtained from facilities that serve seniors or veterans. For instance, if a single piece of information is obtained from such facilities, it is classified as a third-degree crime instead of a fourth-degree crime. Similarly, possessing 20 or more pieces of information from these facilities elevates the crime to the second degree, while possessing 50 or more pieces raises it to a first-degree crime. The bill includes definitions for "senior citizen," "veteran," and various types of facilities, ensuring clarity in the application of these enhanced penalties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:21-17.3