LegalFix

§ 97-23-111. Automated sales suppression devices, zappers and phantom-ware programs prohibited; definitions; penalties

MS Code § 97-23-111 (2019) (N/A)
Copy with citation
Copy as parenthetical citation

(1) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed herein unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “Automated sales suppression device” or “zapper” means a software program carried on a memory stick or other flash memory data storage device, or on a removable optical disc or accessed through an Internet link, or by any other means, that falsifies the electronic records of electronic cash registers and other point-of-sale systems, including, but not limited to, transaction data and transaction reports.

(b) “Electronic cash register” means a device that keeps an electronic record, register or supporting documentation, through the use of an electronic device or computer system, of data for the purpose of computing, compiling or processing retail sales transaction data, and includes a cash register or any other point-of-sale system.

(c) “Phantom-ware” means a hidden or concealed programming option embedded in the operating system of, or hardwired into, an electronic cash register that can be used to create a second or alternate set of records or to eliminate or manipulate transaction records, which may or may not be preserved in digital format, to represent either the actual or the manipulated record of transactions.

(d) “Transaction data” means data relating to a transaction which includes, but is not limited to, data identifying each item purchased by a customer; the price for each item; a taxability determination for each item; a segregated tax amount for each of the taxed items; the amount of cash or credit tendered; the net amount returned to a customer in change; the date and time of a purchase; the name, address and identification number of a vendor; and the receipt or invoice number of a transaction.

(e) “Transaction report” means:

(i) A report that contains, but is not limited to, documentation of the sales, taxes or fees collected, media totals, and discount voids of an electronic cash register and that is printed on cash register tape or other hard copy at the end of a day or shift;

(ii) A report that documents every action performed on or by an electronic cash register and that is stored electronically; and/or

(iii) Any variation of reports described in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of this paragraph (e).

(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly create, design, manufacture, sell, purchase, lease, install, update, repair, service, transfer, use, or possess or otherwise make available any automated sales suppression device, zapper or phantom-ware.

(3) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) or imprisoned for not more than fifteen (15) years, or both.

(4) An automated sales suppression device, zapper or phantom-ware and any device containing such device or software shall be contraband and shall be forfeited to the state.

LegalFix

Copyright ©2024 LegalFix. All rights reserved. LegalFix is not a law firm, is not licensed to practice law, and does not provide legal advice, services, or representation. The information on this website is an overview of the legal plans you can purchase—or that may be provided by your employer as an employee benefit or by your credit union or other membership group as a membership benefit.

LegalFix provides its members with easy access to affordable legal services through a network of independent law firms. LegalFix, its corporate entity, and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and contractors do not provide legal advice, services, or representation—directly or indirectly.

The articles and information on the site are not legal advice and should not be relied upon—they are for information purposes only. You should become a LegalFix member to get legal services from one of our network law firms.

You should not disclose confidential or potentially incriminating information to LegalFix—you should only communicate such information to your network law firm.

The benefits and legal services described in the LegalFix legal plans are not always available in all states or with all plans. See the legal plan Benefit Overview and the more comprehensive legal plan contract during checkout for coverage details in your state.

Use of this website, the purchase of legal plans, and access to the LegalFix networks of law firms are subject to the LegalFix Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

We have updated our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosures. By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosures.
§ 97-23-111. Automated sales suppression devices, zappers and phantom-ware programs prohibited; definitions; penalties