The laws on credit card fraud establish criminal liabilities for those who use others’ credit information in an unauthorized or deceptive manner. Statutes against these activities are enacted at every level and enforced by agencies ranging from local law enforcement to the Secret Service. While there are resources to help fraud victims, criminal lawyers in Phenix City, AL who practice in the field deal with issues from the defense’s perspective.
Credit Card Fraud Types
Credit card fraud endeavors are constantly changing to stay ahead of law enforcement, but the most frequently seen offenses are characterized in two ways. Card-present crimes are offenses where the victim’s card has been stolen. The category includes applying for cards in someone else’s name, or changing the address on an account and getting replacement cards.
The other fraud type doesn’t require the presence of the card itself. Where the card is used, it’s returned to the victim before suspicion arises. Frauds are accomplished by taking the customer’s information and using it online, on the phone, or in other ways that don’t require card swiping. These schemes can be difficult to find as the perpetrator and victim may never meet.
Penalties for Credit Card Fraud
When lawmakers enact statutes on credit card fraud, they can’t account for every type of scheme. Rather, laws are general in nature, and penalties are given based on the value of the scheme’s gains. For instance, some jurisdictions class it as a misdemeanor if the card isn’t used to obtain property. As the property’s value increases, so do the penalties. A felony conviction for credit card fraud can be punished by a 15-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $25,000. Anyone facing these charges should consult criminal lawyers in Phenix City AL for legal advice.
Being prosecuted for white-collar crimes can be frightening, but credit card fraud accusations can take a severe toll. These offenses carry a stigma, and prosecutors often make an example of a defendant. The website attorney will negotiate with the judge, and they will review state evidence for errors while developing a sound trial strategy.
