Credit-skimming bill becomes law

Act 60, legislation that criminalizes and establishes stiff penalties for thieves using tools to steal credit card information, was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf on June 28 and went into effect Aug. 28.

Tools include skimmers, devices attached to external fuel pump payment card readers and ATMs that steal and store debit and credit card data. The data then can be used for fraudulent purchases or activities. A compromised card reader can capture data from as many as 100 cards daily.

Under the law, anyone convicted on a first offense of using or possessing a scanning or skimming device will face a third-degree felony. A second or subsequent offense will be a second-degree felony.

“The goal of the anti-credit card skimming law was always to protect businesses and consumers in Pennsylvania from unscrupulous thieves trying to separate people from their hard-earned money,” Alex Baloga, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, said. “It was made law thanks to the hard work and support of many businesses and elected officials, notably the legislation’s sponsor, state Rep. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York County).”

Thirty other states have similar legislation.

Credit card fraud costs retailers nationwide $580.6 million in losses and $6.47 billion in prevention costs.