Gift-card crime uses a graded larceny framework

The enacted provision requires intent to defraud. It covers acquiring or retaining a card or its redemption information without the consent of the cardholder, issuer or seller; altering or tampering with the card or packaging; and schemes to obtain cards or information through false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises. An ordinary possession or accidental change is not enough by itself to establish those elements. [S03]

The definition includes physical and digital cards, whether activated or not. Closed-loop cards work with a merchant or affiliated group; open-loop cards work with multiple unaffiliated merchants through a payment-card network. Redemption information means the unique credentials allowing a holder to access, transfer or spend the funds. The wording therefore reaches the information layer as well as the physical card. [S03]

The new subdivision does not assign one fixed fine to every incident. Larceny has six grades, linked to the existing offense classes. The published code’s ordinary fine ceilings range from USD 500 for a class C misdemeanor to USD 15,000 for a class B felony. These are existing sentencing parameters, not six new gift-card

Connecticut’s gift-card crime provision took effect on October 1, 2026, bringing specified fraudulent conduct involving cards and redemption credentials into the state’s larceny framework. It is section 2 of Public Act 26-130, signed on June 4; the October event is commencement, rather than a new enactment. [1] [2] [S03] Gift-card crime uses a graded larceny framework The enacted provision requires intent to defraud. It covers acquiring or retaining a card or its redemption information without the consent of the cardholder, issuer or seller; altering or tampering with the card or packaging; and schemes to obtain cards or information through false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises. An ordinary possession or accidental change is not enough by itself to establish those elements. [S03] The definition includes physical and digital cards, whether activated or not. Closed-loop cards work with a merchant or affiliated group; open-loop cards work with multiple unaffiliated merchants through a payment-card network. Redemption information means the unique credentials allowing a holder to access, transfer or spend the funds. The wording therefore reaches the information layer as well as the physical card. [S03] The new subdivision does not assign one fixed fine to every incident. Larceny has six grades, linked to the existing offense classes. The published code’s ordinary fine ceilings range from USD 500 for a class C misdemeanor to USD 15,000 for a class B felony. These are existing sentencing parameters, not six new gift-card

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