Bill > A01957

This bill establishes a new criminal offense called "false pretense" in New York state law, which specifically targets online impersonation. The bill makes it a crime to knowingly and without consent impersonate another person through internet websites or other electronic means with the intent to harm, intimidate, threaten, or defraud the victim. The impersonation must be "credible," meaning a reasonable person would believe the impersonator is actually the person they are pretending to be. "Electronic means" is defined to include accessing someone's email account or social networking profile without authorization. The bill defines this offense as a class D felony, which means it is a serious criminal charge that could result in significant legal consequences. The legislation, also known as the "e-impersonation prevention act," is designed to protect individuals from malicious online identity theft and impersonation, recognizing the potential harm that can result from such actions in the digital age. The law will take effect on the first of November following its passage.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1957