What Constitutes Credit Card Fraud in Illinois?

 Posted on December 14, 2022 in White Collar Crime

You have probably heard of the term “white-collar crime.” This term refers to non-violent financial crimes, often committed by people, businesses, or government entities to unlawfully conceal or obtain money to benefit themselves or a business. White-collar crimes may include mortgage fraud, bank fraud, internet crimes, wire fraud, money laundering, identity theft, and credit card fraud. Today, we will delve deeper into what credit card fraud is and what activities can lead someone to be arrested and charged with credit card fraud.

At the outset, it cannot be stressed enough that if you have been charged with credit card fraud, your first step should be consulting with an experienced attorney. A common myth associated with many white-collar crimes is that such offenses do not carry serious jail time. This is patently false. If you have been charged with a white-collar crime, understand that you are in serious legal jeopardy and must take such charges seriously. 

What Is Considered Credit Card Fraud? 

Various situations can constitute credit card fraud. These situations may include but are not limited to:  

• Using someone else’s credit card without their permission. This may occur if a credit card is stolen or if someone uses a credit card that another person lost.
• Transactions such as selling or transferring someone else’s credit card to a third party without the consent of the owner of the credit card.
• If you use someone else’s credit card without their permission to make purchases, that is credit card fraud.
• Obtaining a credit card through false pretenses, such as using false statements and information to obtain the card.
• If you use a credit card that has expired, been revoked, or is counterfeit, this is also considered credit card fraud. This includes if you sign someone else’s card or alter a card to deceive the card’s issuer.
• Opening a credit card account in someone else’s name. Engaging in these sorts of activities may also, in some instances, constitute identity theft. 
• Paying off a credit card balance using forged checks, money orders, or other deceitful documents. 

In Illinois, credit card fraud is generally prosecuted as a Class 4 felony, which can land the offender in prison for between one and three years. However, if three or more credit cards are issued to various cardholders, the charge may be elevated to a Class 3 felony, which can bring with it between two and five years in prison. Furthermore, if convicted of credit card fraud that involves people in various states or implicates interstate or international commerce, this can escalate the charge to the federal level, which can land the offender in prison for up to 10 years and a fine of $10,000.

Contact a Chicago Credit Card Fraud Lawyer

Your freedom may be on the line if you have been charged with credit card fraud. A felony conviction can destroy a person’s life and career. Contact the esteemed Chicago white-collar crime defense attorneys with Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney to put yourself in a position for an outcome in your favor. Call 312-629-0669 today for a free and complete consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=56800000&SeqEnd=58900000