A new Oklahoma law aimed at cracking down on organized retail theft, identity fraud and exploitation of vulnerable individuals will take effect Nov. 1.
House Bill 3244, authored by Oklahoma Representative Steve Bashore and Oklahoma Senator Chuck Hall, expands criminal penalties and broadens the definition of identity theft and organized fraud schemes.
The measure adds organized retail theft to state law and targets crimes committed across multiple jurisdictions, including offenses involving online or phone scams. The legislation also increases penalties for repeat offenders and enhances coordination between law enforcement and financial institutions investigating fraud cases.
“Retail, identity theft and overall fraud cases are a growing crisis here in Oklahoma and the nation,” Bashore said. “These thieves are creative and ruthless when it comes to stealing personal information and using it to defraud citizens of their assets.”
The law also strengthens protections for vulnerable populations by increasing penalties for criminals who use coercion, deception or intimidation to involve others in fraud-related crimes. The enhanced protections apply to minors, elderly individuals, people experiencing homelessness, those with mental illness or intellectual disabilities, and individuals struggling with substance abuse.
Hall said the legislation is intended to send a message that identity theft and fraud offenses will carry serious consequences.
“As a banker, it’s deeply concerning how often I see Oklahomans fall victim to identity theft or fraud because their personal financial information was not properly secured or because they trusted the wrong person,” Hall said.
The bill expands the list of protected personal information under Oklahoma identity theft law to include fingerprints, PIN numbers, DNA, usernames and passwords.
Punishments under the law range from 10 to 20 years in prison, fines between $20,000 and $100,000, or both.
