Bill > S06944

This bill establishes three new criminal offenses related to phishing, defining different degrees of severity based on the intent and financial impact of the digital fraud. Phishing in the third degree occurs when someone sends an email with the purpose of tricking an individual into sending money, downloading malware, or clicking a link that steals personal information or infects their device, which is classified as a misdemeanor. Phishing in the second degree is a more serious felony that involves causing financial losses or device damage exceeding $500, while phishing in the first degree is an even more severe felony involving financial losses or damage exceeding $2,000. The bill also adds a new definition of "malware" as computer software specifically designed to cause damage to a device or network. Additionally, the bill extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting these phishing offenses, allowing prosecutors to bring charges up to 20 years after the crime was committed, which is significantly longer than typical prosecution timeframes for similar offenses.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6944