How Is Credit Card Fraud Addressed in Illinois?

 Posted on February 10, 2020 in White Collar Crimes

In this day and age of ever-evolving electronics, credit card fraud is becoming increasingly more common. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there were more than 133,000 reports of credit card fraud across the United States in 2017. Illinois was ranked as one of the states with the most instances of this crime, with 48 complaints out of every 100,000 residents. Though it is not usually a violent offense, credit card fraud can be damaging to the victim, as it is often related to identity theft. If you have been accused of credit card fraud in Illinois, it is crucial that you obtain legal counsel as soon as possible.

Types of Credit Card Fraud

There are many different types of offenses that fall under the umbrella of credit card fraud. If you are charged with any of the following crimes, the penalties could be severe:

• Making a false statement to receive a credit card: This can include lying about certain information, such as your income, ability to pay, or even the use of a false social security number.

• Possessing another person’s credit card: Being in possession of someone else's credit card without their knowledge and with the intent of using it is illegal and considered credit card fraud. 

• Possessing a lost or misplaced credit card: Similarly, having a credit card in your possession that you found and knew was lost by the owner can result in credit card fraud charges if you have the intent to use it.

• Using a counterfeited, revoked, expired, or forged credit card: If you intend to purchase something or use a credit card that is not valid, you could be charged with credit card fraud. 

Most cases of credit card fraud will be charged as a Class 4 or Class 3 felony, depending on the circumstances. This means you could face a minimum of one to five years in prison, along with fines that could reach up to $25,000. If found guilty, you may also be responsible for repaying the goods or services that were stolen.

Contact a Wheaton, IL White Collar Crimes Defense Lawyer 

Credit card fraud is not a crime that is taken lightly. If you are accused of committing this offense, you can expect to face serious penalties which could include jail time. At the Davi Law Group, LLC, we can address any concerns you may have in order to provide the best service possible. Call our skilled team of DuPage County credit card fraud defense attorneys today at 630-580-6373 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

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

https://www.creditsesame.com/blog/credit-cards/25-states-credit-card-fraud/