Los Angeles Credit Card Fraud Defense Attorneys

What is Considered Credit Card Fraud in California?

There are many definitions for credit fraud. Several crimes can be classified as credit card fraud, depending on the circumstances. Credit card fraud can be as small as using a family member’s credit card without their permission, to as large as stealing thousands of numbers from a business and charging large items to all of them.

Credit card fraud can also include illegally obtaining credit cards by lying on the applications, and purchasing items up to the card’s limit with no intention to pay. If you have been charged with credit card fraud, contact an attorney from our firm as soon as possible to get started on your defense.

Types of Credit Card Fraud Charges

California has various statutes that cover credit card fraud offenses, including:

• Stolen credit cards, including selling or transferring access to a card without the owner’s consent
• Forging credit card information, such as signing for a transaction without the cardholder’s knowledge or consent
• Fraudulent credit card use, including using a credit card that was fraudulently obtained or a fake card to purchase goods and services
• Retailer credit card fraud, such as when a retailer knowingly accepts payment for a fraudulent credit card transaction
• Counterfeit credit cards, including modifying or altering aspects of a credit card for fraudulent purposes
• Identity theft, such as using someone else’s personal information to open credit card accounts
• Mail theft, including stealing someone else’s mail to obtain personal identifying information for credit card applications
• Receiving stolen property, which can occur when you are in possession of a fraudulently obtained credit card, even if you did not use it to make purchases

When facing credit card fraud charges or other offenses related to fraud, you could be facing a wide range of penalties that can include jail time, fines, and a criminal record for a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the crime.

You Could Be Facing Federal Charges

Credit card fraud is a white-collar crime and, if the crime was perpetrated in more than one state, can be a federal crime. A federal crime will be harshly pursued by federal prosecutors and, under the federal sentencing guidelines, can result in severe punishments, including lengthy time in federal prison. Even if it is not tried as a federal crime, a credit card fraud conviction that is a felony can also carry with it extremely harsh sentencing. In these instances, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for you in your legal proceedings.

Schedule your consultation today.