N.J. Stat. § 2C:21-17.3

Current through L. 2024, c. 80.

Section 2C:21-17.3 - Trafficking in personal identifying information pertaining to another person, certain; crime degrees; terms defined

a. A person who knowingly distributes, manufactures or possesses any item containing personal identifying information pertaining to another person, without that person's authorization, and with knowledge that the actor is facilitating a fraud or injury to be perpetrated by anyone is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.

b.

(1) If the person distributes, manufactures or possesses 20 or more items containing personal identifying information pertaining to another person, or five or more items containing personal information pertaining to five or more separate persons, without authorization, and with knowledge that the actor is facilitating a fraud or injury to be perpetrated by anyone the person is guilty of a crime of the third degree.

(2) If the person distributes, manufactures or possesses 50 or more items containing personal identifying information pertaining to another person, or ten or more items containing personal identifying information pertaining to five or more separate persons, without authorization, and with knowledge that the actor is facilitating a fraud or injury to be perpetrated by anyone the person is guilty of a crime of the second degree.

c. Distribution, manufacture or possession of 20 or more items containing personal identifying information pertaining to another person or of items containing personal identifying information pertaining to five or more separate persons without authorization shall create an inference that the items were distributed, manufactured or possessed with knowledge that the actor is facilitating a fraud or injury to be perpetrated by anyone.

d. As used in this section:

"Distribute" means, but is not limited to, any sale, purchase, transfer, gift, delivery, or provision to another, regardless of whether the distribution was for compensation.

"Item" means a writing or document, whether issued by a governmental agency or made by any business or person, recorded by any method that contains personal identifying information. Item includes, but is not limited to, an access device, book, check, paper, card, instrument, or information stored in electronic form by way of e-mail or otherwise, on any computer, computer storage medium, computer program, computer software, computer equipment, computer system or computer network or any part thereof, or by other mechanical or electronic device such as cellular telephone, pager or other electronic device capable of storing information.

N.J.S. § 2C:21-17.3

Added by L. 2003, c. 184, s. 6, eff. 9/25/2003.