HARTFORD – Following today’s news of the arrest of a California man in connection to a $100,000 theft from customer bank accounts through the use of an ATM skimming device, Rep. Seth Bronko, R-Naugatuck, is highlighting legislation he introduced this session that would strengthen the penalties against people who are convicted of using the devices.

Rep. Bronko took the lead in submitting legislation that would address and deter criminals who use the devices to steal hundreds of identities from customers. Currently, a conviction for the use of a skimming device is a misdemeanor. Rep. Bronko submitted H.B. 6149 this legislative session that would increase the offense to a Class D felony.

A skimmer is a card reader that can be attached to ATMs and credit card machines that look like the actual card reader and keypad, but are fake. They store stolen credit card numbers and PIN codes, which are used to make counterfeit cards, and are sold illegally on the internet. H.B. 6149 was referred to the Judiciary Committee, but has yet to get a public hearing, a key step for a bill’s passage.

“It’s clear that the criminal use of these devices is not going away. I want to commend the Naugatuck Police on their work in making an arrest in the case, now I’m calling on my colleagues in the legislature to do their part and pass this legislation so that thieves think twice before targeting Connecticut consumers,” said Rep. Bronko. “This is a crime that preys on hardworking families and honest businesses in our community. This most recent theft was $100,000, so there must be a strong deterrent and penalty for thieves who ruin the lives of countless people by destroying credit scores, wiping out bank accounts and selling their personal information online.”

Rep. Bronko crafted the legislation in response to several cases in Naugatuck and in towns throughout Connecticut.

The bill language can be found here. Rep. Bronko will also be available for interviews upon request.

Rep. Bronko can be contacted at [email protected] or (800) 842-1423 with any questions or concerns related to state government. You can also follow his legislative activity by visiting his website, www.cthousegop.com/Bronko or on Facebook here.