This bill aims to enhance penalties for identity theft offenses when the victims are senior citizens or veterans. 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 a senior citizen or veteran is a victim of identity theft involving less than $500, the first offense will be classified as a third-degree crime instead of a fourth-degree crime, and subsequent offenses will escalate to a second-degree crime. Additionally, if the crime involves two to five victims or benefits between $500 and $75,000, it will be classified as a second-degree crime if any victim is a senior citizen or veteran. For offenses involving more than five victims or benefits of $75,000 or more, the crime will be classified as a first-degree crime if any victim falls into these categories.

The bill also addresses trafficking in personal identifying information, increasing penalties based on the number of items involved and the context in which they were obtained. For instance, if a single piece of information is obtained from a continuing care retirement community, nursing home, retirement community, or veterans facility, it will be classified as a third-degree crime instead of a fourth-degree crime. Similarly, possessing 20 or more items from these facilities will elevate the crime to a second-degree classification, while possessing 50 or more items will classify it as a first-degree crime. The bill includes definitions for "senior citizen," "veteran," and various types of facilities to clarify the scope of the law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:21-17.3