Bill > A08051

This bill aims to increase penalties for theft and fraud crimes specifically targeting elderly individuals by creating two new criminal classifications in New York state law. Based on legislative findings that elder fraud has increased significantly (with FBI statistics showing a 14% rise in 2023 and NASDAQ reporting that one in ten elderly Americans are victims of theft or fraud annually), the bill establishes "theft against an elderly person" and "fraud against an elderly person" as separate Class B felonies. An "elderly person" is defined as someone sixty years of age or older, and the new provisions would apply to existing theft and fraud offenses where the victim meets this age criteria. The bill recognizes the various forms of elder fraud, including check fraud, identity theft, and scams involving tech support or impersonation of family members, and seeks to address these crimes with more severe legal consequences. The legislation will take effect ninety days after becoming law, providing a clear legal mechanism to prosecute and penalize those who target senior citizens through criminal financial activities.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8051