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 victims. 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 be classified as second-degree crimes rather than third-degree crimes. Additionally, if the offense 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 is a senior citizen or veteran.

The bill also increases penalties for trafficking in personal identifying information when the information is obtained from specific facilities, such as continuing care retirement communities or veterans facilities. For instance, if a single piece of information is obtained from these facilities, it will be classified as a third-degree crime instead of a fourth-degree crime. If 20 or more pieces of information are involved, the crime will be classified as a second-degree crime rather than a third-degree crime, and for 50 or more pieces, it will be classified as a first-degree crime instead of a second-degree crime. The bill includes definitions for "senior citizen," "veteran," "continuing care retirement community," "nursing home," "retirement community," and "veterans facility" to clarify the scope of the law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:21-17.3