Hire a Federal Credit Card Fraud Attorney

Most states consider credit card fraud as a serious crime. The penalties and charges depend on the nature of the crime itself, but states can classify credit card fraud charges as felonies or misdemeanors. Some states may consider different degrees of financial theft as “Class A,” “Class B,” or “Class C.”

You can also be charged with credit card fraud if the crime occurred over state lines or in interstate commerce.

If you’ve been charged with federal credit card fraud, you need to consult with a credit card fraud lawyer.

These charges mean someone has linked you to the theft and use of someone else’s credit card account for your personal gain. They may have evidence that shows you used someone else’s account without authorization to gain goods and services or cash.

A credit card fraud lawyer can go over your credit card fraud charges and make legal recommendations based on your history and the evidence that’s linked with the case.

If that’s the case for you, call the Zoukis Consulting Group today. We’ll set you up with expert defense lawyers for your situation.

How a Credit Card Fraud Attorney Works

When you meet with a credit card fraud lawyer, they’ll review all the details of the charges. You’ll want to give them the names of any witnesses if you believe you’ve been falsely accused. A credit card fraud attorney may also perform investigative research to find additional witnesses or evidence. 

The main advantage of having a lawyer represent you is that they know credit card fraud laws. These can differ between states, and the state’s laws that you live in may not be the only ones that apply to the charges. You could also be facing federal charges or potential penalties in more than one state.

The state where the alleged victim resides, in addition to the state where the card issuer has its headquarters or is incorporated may apply. A credit card fraud attorney can negotiate with the judge and the prosecution, helping to present your case and defend you against the charges. They’ll put together the main argument to present in court and design a sound legal strategy.

Types of Credit Card Fraud

Federal credit card fraud usually involves a sophisticated scheme that steals thousands of credit card information at once. For instance, organized crime organizations may hack into the database of a large retailer. They steal credit card account information and other personal details. This information may then show up on the black market for other individuals or organizations to purchase and use.

However, credit cards can also be stolen on an individual basis. Credit card laws will usually define fraud in one of two ways. 

  1. Card Present: This means the perpetrator physically stole or obtained the card through unauthorized methods. For instance, a co-worker or stranger takes the card out of someone else’s wallet. They subsequently use it to make purchases or withdraw cash from an ATM. In some cases, the perpetrator may use the card to pay off their bills.
  2. Card Not Present: This is when a criminal has enough details about the victim and the card to use it. In these instances, the card is usually used electronically to buy something, transfer funds, or withdraw cash.

The ways to obtain credit card information without the card in hand include skimming machines, phishing schemes, redirects to unsecured sites, and hacking into databases. Skimming machines capture card information when people use them at ATMs and self-serve gas pumps. 

Phishing schemes usually involve emails or phone calls that appear to be legitimate. These ask cardholders to confirm their account details or login information to their accounts. Sometimes criminal organizations or individuals can hack into websites so they redirect to other pages that look legitimate. Once the unsuspecting person logs in or enters in account information, it is captured and then used to commit fraud.

Once you’re accused of credit card fraud, you could be convicted of the crime or a lesser charge. These charges can become a permanent stain on your record. You could also be ordered to pay fines and restitution to the victims and other entities that suffered a financial loss.

The degree of penalties you could face will depend on how much monetary loss was involved. For instance, some states will cap that amount at $500 for misdemeanor charges. Other states also have different tiers for first-time and subsequent offenses related to credit card fraud.

Call Us to Speak to an Expert Credit Card Fraud Lawyer

Credit card fraud charges can carry severe penalties, including prison time and a felony record. You want an experienced federal credit card fraud lawyer to help you navigate the waters.

Contact the Zoukis Consulting Group today to speak to an expert and set up a consultation on your criminal case.