Credit Card Fraud

Many of you may believe that credit card fraud occurs only when your purse or wallet is stolen. But, did you know that 50% of credit card fraud takes place online using spyware? Spyware villains steal huge amounts from corporations and unsuspecting computer users all the time. The unauthorized use of a credit card that belongs to another person is illegal comes with large consequences.

If you use another person’s credit card for purchasing goods and/or making unauthorized bank withdrawals devoid of their permission, you will be prosecuted either in Pittsburgh or the federal court. Here the penalties will be harsh including substantial fines and a good number of years in prison. You will need an aggressive and strong defense. We at Logue Law Group are prepared to fight for you. We have the best federal criminal lawyers who will guide you through every step of the way. In short, joining hands with our Pittsburgh credit card fraud lawyers makes sense.

What is a Federal Credit Card Fraud?

Federal law considers it illegal to dishonestly use another individual’s credit card in an attempt at obtaining services, money, and possessions. Take a look at some of the most common schemes related to credit card fraud. These include:

• To steal the credit card of another person
• Request for a replacement, additional or new credit card in the name of another person without their permission
• Gain access to another individual’s credit card number as well as using the same without their permission for purchasing over the phone or online
• Phishing schemes which trick an unsuspecting person to enter his credit card number, especially on a fake website
• Using a card that is not authorized for use; i.e., revoked, canceled, tampered with, counterfeit, or that is missing information

Federal vs. State

The system concerning the federal court is complex, with its procedures being different from that of the Pittsburgh court system. This makes it important to consult a credit card fraud attorney in the Pittsburgh area who understands these procedures. The federal court uses sentencing guidelines that are complicated and unique to decide the punishment of the offender. The federal prosecutors may draw huge resources which also include detailed investigations performed by the federal agents. Pittsburgh area prosecutors lack in these resources.

What is the Penalty?

Once charged with a federal crime, you will face severe consequences. The penalties will be based on the value of the items the perpetrator gained or tried to gain. It may vary from imprisonment for 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence is based on the case type as well as the federal sentencing guidelines.

Also, you will be charged and penalized based on the number of credit cards you have illegally used or taken. That means that if you stole one hundred cards, you would have one hundred charges. If you are convicted of all of them, you might have a $250,000 fine for each. That multiplies out to twenty-five million dollars. Your best bet in that case is to call an experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney. Don’t try to defend yourself on this one.

Ways in Which a Pittsburgh Credit Card Fraud Attorney Can Help

Once charged with credit card fraud, you will face a determined Pittsburgh prosecutor and inflexible laws. Here, our federal criminal lawyer can work wonders in determining all your choices and achieving the best results for your case. Our Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer will talk with you, listen to the facts of your case, then explain to you the options you have. He will be by your side from beginning to end, fighting the charges made against you. They are strong and experienced, know how such fraud cases are prosecuted and the right approach to use with your defense. Contact us and see how our Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyers can set you free.

So next time you need the best credit card fraud lawyer in the Pittsburgh area, call us at 844.PITT.DUI or contact us online.