Credit Card Fraud Punishment Can Range From A Slap On The Wrist To Incarceration

Credit Card Fraud Punishment Can Range From A Slap On The Wrist To Incarceration

There are a number of factors that determine what a credit card fraud punishment is going to be. The state where the offense occurred, the person's previous history of credit card fraud, and the amount of money involved are all contributing factors. But what is credit card fraud? Let's take a look at a few examples
Basically, anytime a credit card is used by anyone other than an authorized user with out their knowledge and permission, its considered fraud. So someone using stolen credit card numbers, a kid using his parents card without permission, or using a stolen card are all examples of fraud.

The various states have different laws pertaining to credit card fraud, so depending on which state the crime was committed, there are different punishments. Not only that, but the punishment will depend on if the internet was used, or if the postal service was used.

If the person committing the crime has been involved and committed other crimes, they will most likely be dealt with more severely than someone who is committing their first offense. A first timer can expect to receive fines and community service, whereas the latter may expect jail or prison time.

The money involved may also have somewhat of an influence on the sentence received. A first timer that only makes one purchase with a stolen card or numbers will obviously not be dealt with as harshly as someone that steals or uses multiple cards and numbers to make a multitude of purchases.

Basically, the four types of punishment that can be expected in varying degrees from credit card fraud are as follows: monetary fees and fines, community service, probation, and incarceration.

It goes without saying that persons who commit these types of crimes are not likely to find sympathy among the victims, including card owners, merchants, and card companies. They would be the first to likely applaud any credit card fraud punishment such a perpetrator would receive.