This includes any crime where goods are paid for with false credit cards, or money is stolen from an account using a stolen credit card. Credit card fraud costs billions of dollars each year. Credit card fraud can happen when an actual card is taken from the original owner and used to buy goods, or when the numbers of the card are taken and used on falsified receipts, to purchase items through the Internet or through the mail, or to access money in a compromised account.

Credit card fraud can also be used to open a new account in the credit card holder’s name, or to open an account using stolen or fake documents. Skimming and carding are two other methods used; skimming is when devices at automated teller machines steal credit card information as the card is used legitimately, while carding is when a stolen card is used to buy a small item online to show that the card has not yet been reported stolen. If the transaction goes through, the thief can then use the card to purchase more expensive items with the same card before it is declined because it has been reported stolen.

Contact our Boston/Cambridge attorneys for a free initial consultation if you or a loved one is being charged with credit card fraud. Altman & Altman can deliver the best defense possible for you. Please call 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 (toll free) or contact us online to request your free case evaluation.