Orange County Credit Card Fraud Lawyer

Irvine-Based Law Firm Defending Clients Across Southern California

Credit card fraud is a form of identity theft involving the unauthorized use of someone else's credit card information to purchase goods or services or obtain funds from the account. 

The rapid rise in digital transactions has led to increased credit card fraud cases, making it a nationwide focus of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. Credit card fraud can manifest in various forms, including but not limited to stolen or lost credit cards, card skimming, phishing, and fraudulent online transactions.

Facing allegations of credit card fraud can have profound implications on your life and freedom. Law Office of Diane C. Bass is adept at navigating the complexities of these cases, using comprehensive defense strategies to protect our clients' rights. We aim to challenge the prosecution's case at every turn, from questioning the evidence to negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.

Learn more about your case and options in a one-hour consultation with our Orange County credit card fraud attorney. Contact us at (949) 990-4195 to get started.

Credit Card Fraud in California

California crimes related to credit cards can range from using lost or stolen cards, making online or over-the-phone transactions with stolen credit card information, credit card skimming that uses a device to capture the card information used in prior legitimate transactions, applying for a credit card using false identification information, or taking over a credit card account through unauthorized access. 

Examples of credit card fraud can include using another’s expired debit card to transfer money into your account, using another’s card information to order something online, or using a fake, invalid, or forged debit or credit card. Many of these crimes are outlined in California Penal Code Chapter 5, Larceny.

California statutes related to these crimes include:

• Unauthorized use (California Penal Code Section 484e): This statute makes it illegal to sell, transfer, or acquire credit card information without the consent of the credit card holder. It also addresses the issue of stolen or lost credit cards being used to make unauthorized transactions.
• Fraudulent use: (California Penal Code Section 484g): Under this section, any person who knowingly uses a stolen or counterfeit credit card to obtain goods, services, or money is guilty of fraud. The law covers both physical and digital transactions, aiming to curb the increasing incidents of credit card fraud online.
• Forging credit cards (California Penal Code Section 484f): This statute criminalizes forging credit cards, including altering existing credit cards, creating counterfeit cards, or signing another person's name without authorization. The law targets individuals involved in producing and distributing forged credit cards.
• Counterfeiting credit cards (California Penal Code Section 484i): This statute focuses on manufacturing, possessing, and transferring counterfeit card-making equipment. It addresses the root of credit card fraud by targeting those who produce fake credit cards intending to defraud merchants and financial institutions.
• Publishing card information: (California Penal Code Section 484j): This law prohibits the unauthorized publication or posting of another person’s credit card information, including the card number, expiration date, and security codes, with the intent to defraud. This includes sharing this information on the internet, through email, or any digital platform, aiming to prevent identity theft and fraud.
• Retailer card fraud: (California Penal Code Section 484k): Targets fraudulent activities by retailers or merchants, such as charging for goods or services not provided or intentionally processing transactions on stolen or counterfeit credit cards. This statute holds businesses accountable for safeguarding consumer credit card information and preventing fraudulent transactions.

Law Office of Diane C. Bass is well-versed in these laws, offering aggressive legal defenses to accused individuals, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.