|
Bill sponsored by Ackerman, Tikoian incudes debit cards in credit card fraud law
STATE HOUSE – Legislation sponsored by House Deputy Majority Whip Mia A. Ackerman and Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian has been signed into law to ensure that debit card fraud is prosecuted in the same way as credit card fraud.
The legislation (2025-S 0952, 2025-H 5637) adds debit cards to the section of law relating to fraudulent use of credit cards, ensuring that anyone who fraudulently uses one can be prosecuted appropriately. The bill was signed into law June 10 following passage by the General Assembly.
“Debit cards came into existence much later than credit cards, and they were never added to our state’s law on credit card fraud. As a result of this oversight, there’s no appropriate way to prosecute those who use them fraudulently, even though the crime is essentially the same as credit card fraud,” said Majority Whip Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, Lincoln, North Providence), a retired Rhode Island State Police major and former North Providence police chief. “Our bill closes this loophole to give prosecutors the proper tool to hold perpetrators accountable.”
Said Deputy Majority Whip Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln), “When you’re a victim of fraud, you are just as hurt regardless of whether it was your credit card or your debit card that was used. No one deserves to endure that ordeal only to have the person who victimized them escape the charge because of the type of card that was used. Closing this loophole will better protect Rhode Islanders and their financial well-being.”
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
|