An Act to ban phishing

This bill proposes to make phishing a criminal offense in Massachusetts by adding a new section to the state's general laws. It directly affects anyone who uses email, websites, or online services to pretend they represent a legitimate business without permission. The key provision establishes that doing so with the intent to steal money or personal information could result in a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two and a half years, or both. The law specifically defines phishing as posing as an authorized business to procure payment or personal identifying information through electronic means.