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Bill

Bill

S 103

Establishes new offenses concerning unlawful possession and use of credit card scanners.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Holzapfel

New Jersey bill creates criminal offenses for possessing and using credit card scanning devices to commit fraud.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
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Bill Summary · S 103

Legislative bill overview

S 103 creates new criminal offenses in New Jersey specifically targeting the possession and use of credit card scanning devices (skimmers). The bill establishes penalties for individuals who possess these devices with intent to commit fraud or use them to steal payment card information.

Why is this important

Credit card skimming is a growing form of financial fraud that directly harms consumers and businesses. By establishing dedicated criminal statutes for scanner possession and use, the bill provides law enforcement with clearer tools to prosecute this increasingly common crime and creates specific deterrents beyond existing fraud laws.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional clarity: The bill may need precise definitions of what constitutes a "credit card scanner" to avoid inadvertently criminalizing legitimate security testing devices or payment processing equipment
  • Possession vs. intent: Questions may arise about whether mere possession of a scanner without demonstrated intent should be criminal, or if the law properly requires intent to defraud
  • Proportionality of penalties: Stakeholders may debate whether the proposed penalties are appropriately calibrated compared to other fraud offenses and similar state laws

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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