You might think it is okay for you to use a friend or family member’s credit card without permission in the East Grand Forks area, especially if he or she gave you permission in the past. But what you might not realize is you could end up in jail for fraudulently using credit cards. It is against the law for you to use a credit card without the permission of the owner.
A credit card fraud criminal charge is nothing to shrug off. It carries serious penalties that could haunt you for the rest of your life. Here is some information on credit card fraud charges you might not be aware of.
Types of credit card fraud
Credit card fraud includes more than unauthorized use. There are several activities that it covers which can lead to criminal charges. Other forms of credit card fraud include:
- Using fake credit card numbers to make purchases
- Disputing credit card charges and keeping the merchandise
- Providing false information on credit applications
You should always review the terms and conditions of any merchant you purchase from and get permission each time you plan to use someone else’s credit cards.
Factors that affect criminal charges
Keep in mind that the laws governing debit and public benefit card abuse include the above factors and more. Depending on the type of card you use, the amount of the purchases you make and other evidence, you could end up facing more criminal charges, spending a substantial length of time behind bars and paying thousands of dollars in restitution.
There may be times where you did not deliberately commit one of the above offenses. Mistakes happen. Proving that you did not intend to break the law and violate the terms of an agreement is not easy. There are many tactics the prosecution can use to get a conviction. Once you receive a credit card fraud conviction, you could encounter trouble securing gainful employment, public housing, government benefits and lines of credit card or loans in the future. Consider speaking with an attorney to learn defense options.
