CREDIT CARD FRAUD

Representing With Respect

Credit card fraud is a wide-ranging term for theft and fraud committed using a credit card or any similar payment mechanism as a fraudulent source of funds in a transaction. The purpose may be to obtain goods without paying, or to obtain unauthorized funds from an account. Credit card fraud is also an adjunct to identity theft.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, while identity theft had been holding steady for the last few years, it has seen an increase recently. When a credit card is lost or stolen, it remains usable until the holder notifies the issuer that the card is lost. Most issuers have free 24-hour telephone numbers to encourage prompt reporting. Still, it is possible for a thief to make unauthorized purchases on a card until it is canceled.
Without other security measures, a thief could potentially purchase thousands of dollars in merchandise or services before the cardholder or the card issuer realize that the card is in the wrong hands.
Probable Penalties & Consequences
Up 10 – 20 years in jail depending on severity. Courts may order personal property seizure including houses, computers, money and allows a penalty of up to 10 years in jail for a conviction of even the “tamest” credit card fraud. Further convictions may carry with them a greater penalty and the courts may order a seizure of any personal property used to aid credit card fraud, including houses, computer equipment and money.
If Arrested or Jailed
Many of Mark Waecker’s clients have sought his legal guidance immediately following an arrest, while still incarcerated. Those clients use the clock to their advantage, as time is still on their side. Acting quickly and efficiently, Mark Waecker will use assertive strategies to have cases dismissed or substantially reduce potential consequences.
First and foremost, absolutely exercise your right to remain silent at all times, under all circumstances. Many cases are prosecuted when clients, contacted by a law enforcement agent, mistakenly believe that they can talk their way out of the situation. Often, these are undercover agents acting like ordinary people.
Challenging the skill and training of a law enforcement officer by attempting to discuss your case with them is never a good idea. Instead, immediately assert your right to remain silent and call Mark Waecker directly, or have someone elsemake the call for you.