Using someone else’s credit card information without their permission or knowledge is fraud, and this criminal offense carries steep consequences if you are convicted. You could face charges at the state or federal level, making it critical to speak with a dedicated fraud defense attorney as soon as possible.
Based in Greenville and servicing South Carolina and beyond, Ellis Hinton is here to advocate on your behalf during this crucial time. We understand the high burden of proof the government faces in your case, and we will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome. Reach out to a Greenville credit card fraud lawyer today.
There are different ways that a person might use a credit card in a fraudulent manner. This includes using a card for any purpose outside of what has been authorized by the owner or the bank. The most common example is obtaining someone else’s credit card information—legally or illegally—and using it to make purchases without their consent or knowledge.
That said, credit card fraud goes beyond unauthorized use. Criminal charges could be filed for creating fake cards or lying on the application to secure credit that a person would not have otherwise qualified for.
Many of these cases involve how a person obtained the credit card information. For example, charges could be filed using a “skimmer” to collect card information from unsuspecting victims at ATMs and gas pumps. If you have been accused of any of these activities, you must seek help from a credit card fraud lawyer in Greenville.
Serious consequences can follow an arrest for credit card fraud, including damage to your reputation and the loss of employment. While the impact on your career and personal life cannot be taken lightly, this outcome pales compared to what happens following a conviction.
Anyone guilty of credit card fraud will likely be incarcerated and fined steeply. Other collateral consequences include the loss of professional licenses, adverse outcomes in child custody hearings, and potentially the loss of constitutional rights.
You have the right to fight these charges, and a Greenville credit card fraud attorney can identify the best possible defense strategy on your behalf. Some options include the following:
There is no way to commit fraud accidentally. This crime requires the intent to use someone’s information to enrich themselves. If a person does not have criminal intent, they have not committed fraud. Of course, intent is a subjective matter that could be the focal point of a trial.
Many allegations of credit card fraud result from honest misunderstandings. For example, the cardholder might have forgotten to authorize a purchase or asked the defendant to use their card on their behalf.
The government has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed fraud, which can be challenging to do. In many situations, the best approach is to argue that all of the state’s evidence taken at face value does not prove that a crime occurred.
If you have been accused of unlawfully using a card, it is crucial to seek legal help immediately. The right legal counsel could mean the difference between avoiding a conviction and facing incarceration.
Contact a Greenville credit card fraud lawyer with Ellis Hinton as soon as possible to get started. Our hardworking defense attorneys are here to help with building your defense.
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