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Bill

Bill

SB 258

establishing crimes related to the fraudulent use of gift cards.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Donovan Fenton and 5 co-sponsors

New Hampshire law now criminalizes fraudulent gift card use, including unauthorized transactions and card alteration, effective January 2026.

Signed by the Governor on 07/01/2025; Chapter 0150; Effective 01/01/2026
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 258

Legislative bill overview

SB 258 establishes new criminal offenses in New Hampshire specifically targeting fraudulent use of gift cards. The bill criminalizes unauthorized use, alteration, or misrepresentation of gift cards and creates penalties for related fraudulent conduct. This legislation takes effect January 1, 2026.

Why is this important

Gift card fraud has grown as a retail vulnerability, with criminals using stolen or altered cards to obtain merchandise and cash. By creating dedicated statutes, this bill enables law enforcement to prosecute gift card schemes more directly rather than relying on general fraud or theft statutes. Clear legal definitions help protect both consumers and retailers from an increasingly common form of payment fraud.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of liability: Unclear whether retailers bear responsibility for verifying gift card authenticity or if the burden falls entirely on cardholders and law enforcement
  • Penalties proportionality: The severity of penalties compared to other fraud offenses and whether they align with actual financial losses in typical gift card fraud cases
  • Implementation clarity: Retailers and payment processors may need guidance on compliance procedures and what constitutes "alteration" versus normal card wear

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

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