New Texas law backed by banks targets “jugging” criminals
(AUSTIN) — The Texas Bankers Association (TBA) praised Governor Greg Abbott, Representative David Cook, and state lawmakers for taking bold action to protect Texas consumers and financial institutions from fraud and violent criminal behavior. With the Governor’s June 20 signature on HB 1902, “jugging”—predatory attacks in which criminals stalk and rob individuals after they withdraw money from an ATM or bank branch—has been officially criminalized for the first time.
“This law will more appropriately punish the criminals who prey on seniors, small business people, and other Texans who simply want to manage their finances without being accosted,” said Chris Furlow, TBA President & CEO. “We are grateful to Representative Cook for his leadership in protecting our citizens and giving prosecutors additional tools to bring jugging perpetrators to justice.”
The Texas Bankers Association has worked with lawmakers and law enforcement to raise awareness of the crime and to push for the stronger criminal penalties, which rise to the level of a first-degree felony if violence is involved.
TBA has also collaborated with the Texas Department of Banking to raise public awareness of jugging and to share security tips in co-branded materials available through Texas banks. The suite of educational materials is designed to help banks inform their customers about how to recognize and avoid this type of crime. The jointly created resources include posters and safety tip statement stuffers that can be displayed in bank lobbies or handed out directly to customers. All materials are available for free download at www.texasbankers.com/banking-safety. This initiative is part of a broader commitment by Texas banks to promote public awareness, financial safety, and customer education across the state.
The new jugging law is one of several financial crime and fraud bills backed by TBA that will become law this fall, including stronger penalties for check theft, forgery, and mail-related financial crimes.
Contact the Texas Bankers Association to learn more about these new policies and how they protect Texas banks and consumers.
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About Texas Bankers Association
Founded in 1885, the Texas Bankers Association is the largest state-based banking association in the US. TBA advocates for roughly 400 member banks in Austin and Washington, trains more than 20,000 bankers annually, provides nationally recognized community bank services, and invests in Texas communities through financial literacy, scholarship, and charitable activities.