NC H341

Creates new Class H felony for knowingly impersonating another person online or through electronic means (email, text, social media) without consent for purposes of harming, intimidating, threatening, or defrauding.

Establishes civil cause of action for victims allowing recovery of liquidated damages of at least $1,000 per day (minimum $10,000), punitive damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees and litigation costs.

Exempts law enforcement officers discharging official duties and licensed professionals (Chapter 74C) acting within professional duties from the impersonation provisions.

Prohibits sending fictitious communications designed to solicit information or responses where sender intentionally misrepresents their identity, classifying such conduct as an unfair trade practice subject to at least $50,000 in punitive damages and attorneys' fees.

Becomes effective December 1, 2021 for online impersonation offenses and October 1, 2021 for fictitious communications provisions.