(Also referred to as Access Device Fraud)

Credit card fraud or Access Device Fraud is when a person uses a credit card or debit card to obtain property or services knowing that: 1) the card is a counterfeit or has been altered; 2) the card has been issued to another person who has not authorized its use; 3) the card has been revoked or cancelled; 4) for any other reason that the use of the card has been unauthorized by the issuer or actual card holder.

Credit card fraud or Access Device Fraud is almost always charged under the 2nd example above when a person, without permission, makes purchases with another's credit card.  The felony charge of forgery will often be charged along with credit card fraud/Access Device Fraud.  The forgery is when the purchaser sign the name of the cardholder.

If the value of the property obtained with the card is $500.00 or greater, this card is graded as a Felony 3. If the value is between $50.00 and $500.00, the crime is graded as a Misdemeanor 1. If the value of the property obtained is less than $50.00, the offense is graded as a Misdemeanor 2.

A person convicted of this charge will always be responsible for paying either the credit card company or the card holder back for the amount of the unauthorized purchase.

If you've been charged with credit card fraud/Access Device Fraud or are being investigated for these charges, call or contact us and we'll be happy to review your case.