Atlanta Credit Card Fraud Lawyer

Credit card fraud is a crime that falls under the categories of fraud and identity theft under state law. The use of a credit card in any fraudulent way may subject you to these charges. Some charges of credit card fraud are the result of a misunderstanding, borrowing of a credit card with permission, or some other situation that appears legal, but is technically against the law. Fraud is a complicated legal area, especially in cases involving credit cards.

If you have been accused of this offense, you may need an Atlanta credit card fraud lawyer on your side. An experienced fraud attorney could defend your case and protect your rights in and out of court.

Types of Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud can occur in a number of ways. If the card is used to materially misrepresent personal information, conceal illegal activity, or defraud another person or business, this charge is a possibility. Specific types of credit card fraud that are prohibited under Georgia law include:

• Purchasing a stolen credit card or stealing a credit card
• Possession of a credit card knowing it is stolen
• Possessing two or more credit or debit cards that are lost, forged, or stolen within one year
• Fraudulent encoding of a credit or debit card without purpose to defraud
• Production of fraudulent credit cards
• Application for a credit card with false information or credentials

A skilled attorney in the area could help an individual build a strong defense against any of these credit card fraud charges, and any others not listed.

Exceeding the Scope of Permission

An individual can face credit card fraud charges even after they are given permission by the cardholder to use it. If the defendant uses the card exactly as the cardholder expected and gave permission for, the criminal charge may be a mistake. More commonly, however, is that a credit card is given to another person to use with permission, but the defendant exceeds the scope of that permission.

For example, if a defendant’s mother allowed the defendant to use the card to buy groceries, but then they bought a television and game console, this would exceed the scope of the permission. This is illegal and a type of fraud.

Penalties for Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud penalties in the state are strict. These punishments are meant to deter this type of conduct and any repeat behavior by defendants. Multiple convictions for credit card fraud will lead to increasingly severe penalties.

Common charges and their penalties include:

• Credit card theft: fine of up to $5,000 and a maximum of three years in prison
• Forgery of a credit card: fine of up to $5,000 and a maximum of three years in prison
• Credit card fraud: sentence varies based upon the total value of the fraud

Not only will a criminal defendant face the possibility of high fines and long prison sentences, they will also be likely to be required to pay restitution to the whoever their crime affected. This can be incredibly expensive and a major penalty, so it may be crucial for a defendant in a credit card fraud case to have a dedicated local lawyer at their side.

Let an Atlanta Credit Card Fraud Attorney Work for You

If you face credit card fraud charges, an experienced Atlanta credit card fraud attorney could take on your case and help you achieve a positive outcome. Our skilled attorneys are ready to consult with you and grant you peace of mind throughout this stressful process. Call today to schedule a confidential consultation.