OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that strengthens punishments for organized retail crime and identity theft and closes loopholes to protect the vulnerable has been signed into law.

Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, is the author of House Bill 3244,which expands the definition and pattern of these crimes to better encapsulate fraud techniques used by criminals. It closes a loophole where criminals exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly and minors. Third, it greatly enhances Oklahoma identity theft laws by expanding the scope of which items or modes are utilized by criminals.

"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. They also often prey upon the vulnerable to get their participation in their crimes. This law will enhance punishment for these criminals and give law enforcement greater tools to stop their activity."

Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry. Hall is the Senate author of the legislation.

“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. “This new law sends a strong message that these crimes will not be taken lightly, especially when criminals target the elderly or other vulnerable Oklahomans.”

The Oklahoma Bankers Association, law enforcement agencies statewide, the AARP Oklahoma and others supported the legislation.

It is reported that fraud cases have risen sharply in recent years. In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission received 3.5 million fraud reports. By 2025, that number had jumped to 6.5 million, with an estimated $12.5 billion in losses.

HB3244 includes criminals operating in two or more municipalities, or when offenses are committed within and without the state or combined with online or phone fraud. The bill also adds the crime of organized retail theft, when groups work together to rob retailers.

The measure clarifies and broadens punishment for the crime of using coercion, deception, enticement, intimidation, bartering, recruiting or other means to exploit someone into committing these crimes. This includes someone who has a mental illness, is vulnerable, homeless, intellectually or developmentally disabled, elderly, a user of drugs or alcohol or is a minor. Again, this adds in the pattern aspect of these crimes, making the punishment more severe for those who commit these types of crimes more than once.

HB 3244 also strengthens identity theft laws by expanding the list of personal information someone can illegally possess or use with fraudulent intent to include fingerprints, PIN numbers, DNA, usernames, passwords and more. The bill strengthens penalties for repeat offenders and improves coordination between law enforcement and financial institutions investigating suspected fraud.

Punishment ranges from 10 to 20 years in prison, fines of between $20,000 and $100,000, or both.

The new law becomes effective Nov. 1.