What Are the Penalties of a Credit Card Fraud Conviction in Illinois?

In today’s world of electronics, credit card fraud is easier than ever for people to accomplish. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) yearly report, more than 4.7 million consumer issues were reported to the Commission in 2020, with the most commonly reported issue being identity theft. Credit card fraud is a type of identity theft and is one of the most frequently reported types of identity theft, making up about 30 percent of all identity theft reports to the FTC. Most people understand what consequences come from a credit card fraud situation, but many are not aware that there are multiple ways a person can be charged with credit card fraud.

Types of Credit Card Fraud

There is more than one way you can be charged with credit card fraud in the state of Illinois. According to the Code of Corrections, credit card fraud includes:

• Making false statements to get a credit card. This would consist of applying for a credit card with information that is incorrect or not your own. This could also include any information that credit card companies use to make decisions on issuing cards, including your income, address, or place of employment. A conviction for false statements is a Class 4 felony, which could result in up to $25,000 in fines or one to three years in prison.
• Possessing someone else’s credit card. You can be charged with a Class 4 felony for possessing a credit card that was taken out of the possession of its owner, or even given to you by its owner if you intend to commit fraud with it.
• Selling a credit card to someone else. It is illegal for anyone to sell or purchase a credit card without the cardholder’s permission. If you are convicted, you face a Class 4 felony.
• Using an invalid credit card. It is illegal for a person to use a counterfeited, forged, expired, or revoked credit card with the intent of defrauding the issuer or merchant. If the total value of any goods obtained with the credit card is less than $300, you face a Class 4 felony. If the total value of the goods acquired with the credit card is more than $300, you face Class 3 felony charges, which come with a possible two- to five-year prison sentence and up to $25,000 in fines.
• Altering or counterfeiting a credit card. Not only does credit card fraud cover those who use invalid credit cards, but it also includes those who make the fraud possible. Anyone who is caught altering or creating a fake credit card is guilty of fraud. Modifying an existing credit card is considered to be a Class 4 felony while counterfeiting a credit card will result in a Class 3 felony.

Our Rolling Meadows, IL Credit Card Fraud Defense Attorney is Here

Being accused of credit card fraud can carry severe consequences, especially if the total losses incurred from the fraud total enough to warrant a felony charge. If you are facing credit card fraud charges, you should speak with our Arlington Heights, IL credit card fraud defense lawyer. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law, has more than 20 years of experience helping clients who are in legal trouble. To schedule a time to speak with our attorney, call our office today at 847-253-3400 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2020/csn_annual_data_book_2020.pdf

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=072000050HArt.+17%2C+Subdiv.+25&ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=56800000&SeqEnd=58900000

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1999&ChapterID=55