Credit card fraud is a serious criminal offense, one that can be accompanied by a variety of legal penalties and consequences. If you are facing charges related to financial transaction card fraud, it is imperative that you are adequately represented. For more information and legal advice, reach out to a knowledgeable Atlanta white-collar crime lawyer today.

What is Credit Card Fraud?

Credit card fraud is referred to as “financial transaction card fraud” under Georgia law. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated 16-9-33 states that a person commits this offense when, with intent to defraud the issuer, cardholder, person providing goods or services, or any other person, they participate in any of the following.

  • Use a credit card obtained, retained, or which was received with knowledge that it was obtained or retained in violation of 16-9-31 or 16-9-32 (credit card theft and forgery, respectively) for the purpose of obtaining money, goods, services, or anything else of value
  • Use a credit card which he or she knows is forged, altered, expired, revoked, or was obtained as a result of a fraudulent application for the purpose of obtaining money, goods, services, or anything else of value
  • Uses a credit card account number which he or she knows has not been issued or is forged, altered, expired, revoked, or was obtained as a result of a fraudulent application for the purpose of obtaining money, goods, services, or anything else of value
  • Obtains money, goods, services, or anything else of value by presenting the card without authorization from the cardholder or issuer
  • Obtains money, goods, services, or anything else of value by falsely representing that he or she is the cardholder
  • Makes false statements in order to obtain a credit card

These are the main definitions of credit card fraud in Georgia, though the law goes on to list additional actions that can be categorized as this offense. Essentially, any unauthorized use of a credit card or acquiring a card through false or misleading information can be considered fraud.

What Are the Penalties for Credit Card Fraud in GA?

The penalties that you can incur for credit card fraud in Georgia vary depending on the unique circumstances of the situation, most notably the value of goods or services involved in the offense.

If the value involved does not exceed $100 in a six-month period, you will be required to pay up to $1,000 in fines and serve a term of imprisonment not less than one year but not exceeding two years.

If the value involved exceeds $100 in a six-month period, or the offense involved false statements to obtain a credit card, you will be guilty of a felony and can be subject to fines of up to $5,000 and a term of imprisonment of one to three years.

Because the penalties are so great, it is important that you are represented by a skilled attorney. Reach out to a lawyer at Williamson Legal today to set up your free consultation.