NYC Credit Card Fraud Attorney
Credit Card Fraud Charges
Credit card fraud comes under the jurisdiction of federal laws, as it often crosses state lines and national boundaries. The internet provides a worldwide network of possible transactions involving this type of crime. Whether the fraud involves the use of another person's card or one's own, illegal use of credit cards is frequently the target of scrutiny and investigation on the part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as part of its white collar crime division. If you have been accused of credit card fraud or are under investigation, you need to contact a NYC criminal defense lawyer immediately.
With the growth of the internet and international use of credit cards has come increased attention on fraud of all types, identity theft and other white collar crimes. At the state and federal levels, law enforcement has considerably expanded its actions to prevent and handle misuse of credit cards. If you have been accused of or are under investigation for credit card fraud, you need the best possible legal counsel so that your rights are protected. Taking fast action can help avoid illegal search of your property and seizure of your assets. With a dedicated legal team fighting for you, it's possible to prevent your case from progressing due to lack of evidence.
What Is Considered Credit Card Fraud?
There are many different forms of credit card fraud. In some cases, it may be as simple as the credit card being physically stolen or it may involve the manipulation of account information.
Below, we explain some of the most common forms of credit card fraud:
- Stolen Credit Cards - Credit cards are physically taken and the account becomes corrupted. Until the holder reports the theft to the company, the card can be used physically. Even after, however, the card may be able to be use in other transactions – for example, online and over the phone. When the card is not present, the numbers may all be read or inputted to complete the transaction.
- Identity Theft – This can occur in several different formats. One way is when information is used to open up a fraudulent account under someone's identity. Another form is when someone is accused of taking over someone's account, using their information to hijack the account.
- Skimming – This has become a prevalent issue as ATM machines and gas pumps throughout the country. Skimming involves stealing the information of a credit card during a legitimate transaction. One way this is allegedly committed is by installing a "skimmer" in the ATM which records credit card information for every card that is swiped.
If you have been accused of committed any form of credit card fraud, no matter whether it was one of the above or any other form, you need an aggressive lawyer that you can count on. The FBI takes criminal acts of fraud seriously and will crack down on that that they believe have committed it. While this can help protect the safety of people throughout the country, it can also result in false accusations and arrests.