This section defines terms used in the chapter, including automated teller machine, center, electronic terminal, financial institution, merchant, payment card, payment card issuer, payment card network, service company, service technician, skimmer, and virtual currency.
Sec. 607A.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Automated teller machine" has the meaning assigned by Section 31.03, Penal Code. (2) "Center" means the financial crimes intelligence center established under Chapter 2312, Occupations Code. (3) "Electronic terminal" means an electronic device, other than a telephone operated by a consumer, through which a consumer may initiate an electronic funds transfer. The term includes a point-of-sale terminal, virtual currency terminal, automated teller machine, and cash dispensing machine. (4) "Financial institution" has the meaning assigned by Section 277.001, Finance Code. (5) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code. (6) "Merchant" has the meaning assigned by Section 2.104. (7) "Payment card" has the meaning assigned by Section 522.001. (8) "Payment card issuer" means a lender, including a financial institution, or a merchant that receives applications and issues payment cards to individuals. (9) "Payment card network" means an entity that directly, or through a licensed member, processor, or agent, provides the proprietary services, infrastructure, and software that: (A) route information to conduct debit card or credit card transaction authorization, clearance, and settlement; and (B) the entity uses to accept as a form of payment a brand of debit card, credit card, or other device to be used to carry out debit or credit transactions. (10) "Service company" and "service technician" have the meanings assigned by Section 2310.151, Occupations Code. (11) "Skimmer" means a wire or electronic device capable of unlawfully intercepting electronic communications or data to perpetrate fraud. (12) "Virtual currency" means an intangible electronic medium of exchange, unit of account, or store of value. Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 198 (S.B. 2371), Sec. 1, eff. May 27, 2025.