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Credit card and check fraud are the two fastest-growing forms of identity theft. There are various types of charges you could face related credit card and check fraud. In any case, having an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner is crucial.

Types of Credit Card Fraud

There is a variety of different types of credit card fraud. The most common classifications of credit card fraud are:

• Card-not-present (CNP) fraud
• Account takeover
• Credit card application fraud
• Credit card skimming
• Lost or stolen card

In a Card-not-present fraud, credit card and personal information are stolen and used to make purchases by phone or online. There is no credit card physically present to verify the buyer’s identity. The accused may contact the credit card companies and pretend to be the cardholder with an account takeover. PINs and account passwords may be changed during that process so the cardholder can no longer log in.

Credit card application fraud is when someone uses stolen personal information such as name, birthday, and social security number to apply for new credit cards. Another common scenario, credit card skimming, occurs when someone attaches a device known as a “skimmer” to different credit card-reading machines in various places like gas pumps. From here, card information may be stolen from the magnetic strip on the back of a credit card when it is swiped through the device. Credit card fraud charges also sometimes revolve around allegations of stealing a credit card from a mailbox.

Types of Check Fraud

Check fraud happens when a person intentionally deprives a person or entity of money using unfair means with the use of a check. The most common types are:

• Forgery
• Theft
• Paper hanging
• Check knitting
• Washing
• Counterfeiting

Forgery occurs when there is a signing of a check without authorization, while paper hanging refers to when people write checks on closed amounts and then on closed accounts.

Intentionally gaining access to funds on someone’s account before the bank collects them is “check kiting,” and  “washing” can occur when a person committing fraud uses chemicals to remove written information from a check. Lastly, counterfeiting occurs when someone illegally prints checks with a victim’s account number.

Discuss Fraud Charges With a Seasoned Attorney

Credit and check fraud charges are not something to take lightly. If you are facing accusations of this nature or have been arrested, it is crucial that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Our skilled team at BK Law Group has handled numerous cases like these, and we are prepared to fight for your rights and your future. Call today to get started.