Credit Card Fraud

Fraudulent use of Credit Cards

Under Florida Statute 817.61, using someone else’s credit card to obtain goods or services without their express permission is a crime. Under 817.60, theft of a card with intent to use or sell it is also a crime. This includes credit cards that were stolen, fraudulent or forged cards, or stolen credit card numbers. Credit card fraud is a serious crime that will result in the creation of a permanent criminal record and potentially incarceration. Some instances of credit card fraud can be considered identity theft, which is a felony charge. If you or someone you know has been charged or accused of credit card theft or fraud, contact an experienced Tampa credit card fraud attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A. Defending your rights is our number one priority.

Types of Credit and Debit Card Theft

There are several different situations that can constitute credit card theft or fraud in the state of Florida. Using any forged or stolen credit card, debit card, ATM card, or any other kind of banking card can result in your arrest for credit card fraud. It is also a crime to buy or sell a credit card that has been stolen (i.e. you are not the cardholder). Here are some examples of obtaining a credit card fraudulently: retaining possession of a card that is not yours without express permission by the cardholder, theft of a card by taking, theft of a card that has been lost or misplaced, and purchasing or selling stolen cards.

Penalties for Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. You may also be charged with multiple crimes relating to credit card fraud. For example, if you physically stole a credit card and later bought something, you may be charged with fraudulent use of a credit card and theft of a credit card. Because the act of theft is a different charge than fraudulent use, you may be charged with both and sentenced for each charge. If you or someone you know has been charged with credit card fraud or theft, contact a skilled Tampa credit card fraud attorney to fight the charges.

The good news about credit card fraud is that multiple uses of a stolen or forged card within a span of six months is treated as one crime, instead of several. Penalties for this crime are determined by the amount of money (or goods, services) obtained, or the number of times the card was used within a span of six months. Misdemeanor usage of a stolen or forged credit card occurs when the card is used less than two times in six months, or the money or goods obtained is valued at less than $100. This crime is punishable by one year in jail, one year of probation, and fines of up to $1,000. Felony usage of a stolen or forged card occurs when the card is used more than two times to obtain money or goods valued at more than $100. This crime is punishable by five years in prison, five years of probation and fines of up to $5,000.

Call Pallegar Law, P.A. Today

If you or someone you know has been charged or accused of credit card fraud or theft, contact an aggressive Tampa credit card fraud attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A. The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can fight the charges against you. Call 813-444-3912 for your free consultation.