Credit Card Fraud Charges in Georgia

Credit Card Fraud Charges in Georgia

Credit card fraud is a big problem here in Georgia. Lots of folks are getting hit with fraud charges, and it can ruin your life if you don’t know how to handle it. This article will break down everything you need to know about credit card fraud laws and defenses in Georgia.

Types of Credit Card Fraud

There’s a few main ways you can get charged with credit card fraud here:

• Financial Transaction Card Theft – This is when you take someone else’s credit or debit card without their permission. It don’t matter if you use it or not – just taking it is enough to get charged[1].
• Financial Transaction Card Fraud – This is when you use someone else’s card without their say-so to buy stuff. Or if you lie about your identity to get a new card. Big trouble[2].
• Forgery – If you fake a card or signature, that’s forgery. Huge fines and jail time[5].

Lots of other little things can count as fraud too. Like if a business takes a bad card knowingly. Bottom line – don’t mess with cards that ain’t yours!

Penalties for Credit Card Fraud

If you get charged with card fraud in Georgia, you’re looking at some real bad punishment:

• Fines – Up to $5000 for fraud charges
• Jail time – 1-5 years usually
• Felony record – Fraud is a felony here. Means you have a record forever
• Other impacts – Harder to get a job, loan, apartment with a record

They take fraud real serious in this state. The punishments get worse if:

• You did it a bunch of times
• You took a lot of money
• You did it over a long time

Then you might be looking at the high end of fines and years behind bars. Not good!

Defenses for Credit Card Fraud

If you get charged with card fraud, don’t panic! There are some solid defenses that might get you off the hook:

• Consent – If the card owner gave you permission to use the card, you’re all good[4].
• Mistaken identity – If you can show it wasn’t actually you, the charges will probably be dropped.
• Lack of intent – If you can prove you didn’t mean to commit fraud, that’s a strong defense[3].

Your lawyer may also find technical problems with how the case was handled or argue the amounts don’t add up to fraud under the law. Don’t try to handle this yourself – get a good lawyer on your side!

Avoiding Credit Card Fraud Charges

Best way to avoid fraud charges is to steer clear of anything fishy with cards. Keep these tips in mind:

• Never take a card that’s not yours, even if you don’t use it
• Don’t buy stuff with someone else’s card without asking them first
• Shred old cards and documents so your info don’t get stolen
• Check statements regular to catch bogus charges fast
• Use card covers at ATMs and restaurants to stop skimmers

If you do get hit with fraud, don’t say nothing to the police without your lawyer! Anything you say can be used against you. Let your lawyer handle it.

Credit card fraud ain’t nothing to play around with here in Georgia. You gotta be real careful with cards that ain’t yours or you could get slammed with big fines and years in jail. Follow the tips in this article to avoid fraud charges. And if you do get charged, call up a tough lawyer right away – they can often get the charges dropped or reduced if you got a solid defense. Don’t take chances with your freedom and future!