Bill > S1209

This bill amends Massachusetts law by adding two new sections to Chapter 266 of the General Laws to specifically address gift card-related crimes. The bill first provides comprehensive definitions for terms like "gift card," distinguishing between closed-loop gift cards (usable at a single merchant or affiliated group) and open-loop gift cards (usable across multiple unaffiliated merchants). It then establishes three specific criminal offenses related to gift cards: first, it makes it a crime to acquire or retain possession of a gift card or its redemption information without consent, with intent to defraud; second, it criminalizes altering or tampering with a gift card; and third, it prohibits using fraudulently obtained gift card information to obtain money, goods, or services. The bill treats these offenses as larceny, with a specific provision that if the total value of goods or services obtained through such fraud exceeds $1,200 within a six-month period, the offense becomes a felony. These provisions aim to protect consumers and merchants from gift card-related fraud by creating clear legal definitions and penalties for such criminal activities.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1209