Pennsylvania § 4121 - Possession and use of unlawful devices.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 4121 — Possession and use of unlawful devices., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4121. Possession and use of unlawful devices.
(a) Offense defined.--A person commits an offense if:
(1) The person, with the intent to defraud another person:
(i) uses a device to access, read, obtain, memorize or store, temporarily or permanently, information encoded on the computer chip, magnetic strip or stripe or other storage mechanism of a payment card or possesses a device capable of doing so; or
(ii) places information encoded on the computer chip, magnetic strip or stripe or other storage mechanism of a payment card onto the computer chip, magnetic strip or stripe or other storage mechanism of a different card or possesses a device capable of doing so.
(2) The person knowingly possesses, sells or delivers a device which is designed to read and store in the device's internal memory information encoded on a computer chip, magnetic strip or stripe or other storage mechanism of a payment card other than for the purpose of processing the information to facilitate a financial transaction.
(b) Grading.--
(1) A first offense under subsection (a) constitutes a felony of the third degree.
(2) A second or subsequent offense under subsection (a) constitutes a felony of the second degree.
(c) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Payment card." A credit card, a charge card, a debit card or another card which is issued to an authorized card user to purchase or obtain goods, services, money or another thing of value.
(June 28, 2018, P.L.425, No.60, eff. 60 days)
2018 Amendment. Act 60 added section 4121.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 4121
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 4121 cover?
Section 4121 ("Possession and use of unlawful devices.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 4121?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 4121" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 4121 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.