With the declining use of cash, accusations of fraud for debit cards and credit cards is on the rise in Central Texas. Credit card and debit card fraud can arise from a variety of allegations, from stealing card information to merchants making false charges to fabricating credit and debit cards.
Credit card fraud charges are state jail felonies that carry severe penalties.
Georgetown Credit Card Fraud Lawyer
If you’ve accused of credit card fraud or debit card fraud, Georgetown white collar crime attorneys Michael J. Price can fight for your rights. Michael J. Price has over two decades of experience representing the accused. They will carefully and diligently research the accusations against you, looking for holes in the accusations and weaknesses in the evidence that could lead to your charges being reduced or dismissed. Reach Price & Twine, PLLC today at (512) 354-1880.
Michael J. Price represents Central Texans accused of credit card and debit card fraud across Williamson and Bell Counties, including Georgetown, Round Rock, Leander, Cedar Park, Taylor, Hutto, Killeen, Temple, Belton and Harker Heights.
Credit Card Fraud in Texas Law
Texas Penal Code § 32.31 contains the law for credit card fraud and debit card fraud. It is illegal if, with the intent of obtaining a benefit, the accused:
- Presents or uses a credit or debit card with the knowledge that the card has not issued to him or her, is not being used with the consent of the cardholder,
- Presents a card with the knowledge that it is expired, revoked or canceled,
- Steals a credit card or debit card,
- Attempts to use or receive a card knowing it is stolen,
- Buys a credit card or debit card knowing the person selling is not the issuer of the card,
- Sells a credit card or debit card without being the issuer,
Credit card fraud or debit card fraud is a state jail felony. If convicted, you could be sentenced to 180 days to two years in jail, and a fine of up to $10,000.
Alleged Practices Leading to Debit Card Fraud Charges in Williamson County
There are many alleged practices that can lead to credit card or debit card fraud charges. It may, in fact, be very difficult for law enforcement to keep up with the possibilities.
“Skimming” is a practice where the card information is stolen during a legitimate transaction. It can be as low-tech as a cashier writing down all of a customer’s card information, or it can be high-tech, with waiters carrying around small devices that, when a credit card is run through them, record all of a credit card’s information. The information is then used to make purchases, which is illegal since it is illegal to use a card without consent.
Another accusation could be obtaining credit card information through “phishing.” Phishing is the practice of sending computer viruses through emails that collect financial information and transmit it back to the sender.
It is also a crime, under Texas law, to fabricate a card using technology other means and attempt to use it or to use a credit card known to be expired. Under state law, if you use an expired credit card, it is presumed that you knew it was stolen.
Whatever the accusation, the prosecutor must prove all elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Your Georgetown white collar crimes lawyer can look for weaknesses to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Price & Twine, PLLC | Round Rock Debit Card Fraud Attorney
If you’ve been accused of debit card fraud or credit card fraud in Bell County or Williamson County, Georgetown criminal defense lawyers Michael J. Price can help you fight back. Call Price & Twine, PLLC today at (512) 354-1880 to receive a fee, confidential consultation.