The elements of a credit card fraud charge

Practically every adult in Arkansas has at least one credit card. While some may prefer to pay for their purchases with cash or to use debit cards to track their spending, most online retailers require shoppers to use credit devices to make their purchases. A credit card allows a person to spend money on their account and then pay it back at a later point in time.

Because credit cards have spending power and may be used online, in person, or in other contexts, credit card numbers can be found in many different places. When someone uses a credit card that is not theirs, they may be accused of committing a crime. Credit card fraud is the crime of using someone else’s spending device without their permission or using one’s own credit card after it has been canceled or revoked.

Credit card fraud charges require an intention and an action. A person must mean to use a credit card in a fraudulent manner, such as through deceiving another person to give them their number. They must also follow through on their intention to use the fraudulently obtained information and make a purchase to the detriment of the other. Credit card fraud charges can have very serious consequences and may be prosecuted under both state and federal laws.

Credit card fraud is a commonly charged crime because credit cards are used everywhere and credit card numbers are found in many businesses and homes. It is not always possible to overcome pending criminal charges like credit card fraud, but individuals who have questions about this serious crime are encouraged to discuss their concerns with attorneys who provide white collar crime defense services.