Credit Card Fraud

With the increasingly digital climate, credit card fraud has become more popular than ever. Credit card fraud is essentially knowingly holding or taking possession of another person’s credit card or credit card number to use or with the intent to use without consent from the owner of the card. In a nutshell, credit card fraud is using somebody else’s credit card or credit card number to purchase goods or services. It’s possible to commit credit card fraud without even having the card present. If you’re facing credit card fraud charges, contact a criminal law attorney who has white collar crime and fraud defense experience as soon as possible to get the ball rolling on you defense.

Types of Credit Card Fraud

Card Crimes

Card Present Crimes 
If a card is present during the alleged credit card fraud, you have what’s called ‘card present’ fraud. This means, there was a physical card present during the commission of the fraud. Typically, this type of crime involves a card that doesn’t belong to the person who is using it. It can also involve a counterfeit card or a card that has been ordered under a false identity.

Card Not Present Crimes 

If you’ve been charged with credit card fraud, but the card wasn’t actually present at the time of the alleged fraud, you’re looking at a ‘card not present’ crime. This type of credit card fraud typically involves stolen data, stolen credit card numbers and other information that is used to purchase goods or services remotely. Card not present crimes are typically associated with online credit card fraud.

Credit Card Fraud and Cyber Crime 

When credit card fraud is committed online, you could also be facing additional charges associated with cyber crimes. Investigative efforts are becoming more sophisticated every day. Cases of ‘card not present’ credit card fraud are often associated with online purchases. When online purchases are involved, you could be facing an additional set of charges associated with ‘card not present’ credit card fraud and cyber crimes.

Additional Charges Associated With Credit Card Fraud

Rarely are cases involving credit card fraud only about credit card fraud. It’s not uncommon to see a variety of other charges associated with credit card fraud in these cases. Some additional charges can include identity theft, cyber crimes, bank fraud and wire fraud. Depending upon the unique circumstances of your individual case, you could be facing a variety of different charges related to credit card fraud. This means that you can quickly be facing months, years or decades behind bars, if convicted. If you’re facing credit card fraud or any other similar charges, you need to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case.

Credit Card Fraud and White Collar Crime

Credit card fraud and other forms of financial fraud are types of white collar crime. White collar crime is traditionally known for being non-violent in nature. Additionally, it often involves some type of fraud or financial documentation. Even though this isn’t your typical violent crime, it’s possible to do hard time if convicted. Equally important is getting in touch with a skilled criminal defense attorney who has proven experience in cases involving white collar crime.

Misdemeanor Versus Felony Credit Card Fraud

Depending upon how much merchandise is purchased with the credit card, you could be facing either misdemeanor or felony charges. If you’re facing misdemeanor charges, you could spend up to one year in jail, if convicted. Additionally, you could also be facing fines. If convicted of felony credit card fraud charges, you could be facing years in a federal correctional facility and severe fines and financial penalties.