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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 17, 2014 10:20 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Brandon P. Neuman |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Legislation Providing for Prohibiting Acts of “Phishing” |
| In the near future I will reintroduce legislation aimed at prohibiting “phishing”. You may remember that this bill passed the House last term on a vote of 194-0. “Phishing” is the act of sending email or other electronic message via the internet that appears legitimate, but actually directs users to a bogus website that requests personal information, passwords, personal identification numbers, social security numbers, bank account numbers or other information. As internet use increases, so does the number of phishing scams. Not only are these scams increasing, but they are also becoming more technologically sophisticated, inducing more individuals into the scams. This legislation would make these acts a criminal offense and set forth criminal and civil penalties. Enforcement powers would be provided to County District Attorneys and the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Civil action may be brought by Internet service providers and the Attorney General. The Attorney General may also bring action under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. The bill does not hold internet service providers liable for removing or withholding any website, information or data transmission that it believes would be a violation of this Act. |
Introduced as HB2374