Trenton Credit Card Fraud Lawyer
Trenton Credit Card Fraud Attorney
Facing credit card fraud charges is serious, and a conviction can come with steep penalties. In Trenton, whether you live in Chambersburg or near Cadwalader Park, having a criminal record associated with credit card fraud won’t just mean prison time; it could also mean serious consequences to your personal and professional life. Thankfully, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. An experienced Trenton credit card fraud lawyer is here to protect you.
Trust the Team at LGR Law, LLC, When Facing Credit Card Fraud Charges
In New Jersey, LGR Law, LLC, stands out as a firm ready to assist all who find themselves up against even the most serious felony charges. Our team has handled well over 1,000 criminal cases and many jury trials, including experience at the Mercer County Criminal Courthouse in Trenton.
We have earned a reputation for zealous, fierce advocacy, balanced with compassion for our clients. We are here to review your case, uncover evidence, and work to build a defense strategy that works to protect your rights and future.
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Defining Credit Card Fraud in New Jersey
In New Jersey, credit card fraud can involve a range of activities. Because of easy access to the internet and various forms of technology, credit card fraud and related allegations have only increased over the years.
In one year alone, approximately 61.3 million Americans experienced fraudulent charges on either their credit or debit cards, and in 2022, credit and debit card fraud losses totaled about $34.36 billion. Additionally, between 2023 and 2024, there was a 7.8% increase in credit card fraud complaints in the U.S.
In New Jersey, these criminal acts can be grouped into three separate categories, including:
- The theft of credit cards
- Falsified statements in obtaining credit cards
- The fraudulent use of credit cards
What Leads to Credit Card Fraud Charges in Trenton, New Jersey?
An individual can be arrested and charged with the crime of credit card fraud if they are suspected of engaging in any of the following conduct:
- The use of a credit card while knowing the card is expired, has been revoked, or was forged
- Falsely representing yourself to be a cardholder and using the card
- Being in possession of equipment that was used to forge credit cards
- Receiving services, money, or goods by way of credit card theft or fraud
- Furnishing goods or services to a buyer who has used a credit card knowing the credit card is fraudulently being used or expired
These are merely a few of the many ways the State or Federal Government can prosecute you for credit card fraud.
How Does Credit Card Fraud Happen?
There are three main ways these acts of credit card fraud can take place, including:
- Phishing. This is the act of tricking another individual into providing you with their credit or debit card details by pretending to be a legitimate creditor agency or entity. Most often, phishing scams can happen over the telephone, by email, via texts, or through the use of false websites.
- Skimming. This is the secret and illegal scanning or capturing of another’s card information through devices that are often installed on gas pumps, at ATMs, or on high-traffic payment terminals.
- Identity theft. This act of credit card fraud happens when an individual uses personal information belonging to another, such as credit card details or PINs, without the authorization of the owner.
Credit card fraud is a serious crime in both New Jersey State matters and on the federal level and the penalties for both can be very serious.
Credit Card Fraud Penalties
Should an individual be arrested and convicted of credit card fraud in New Jersey, the penalties can be harsh. In most cases, this crime will be charged as either a third-degree or fourth-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6, depending on the facts of the crime and the surrounding circumstances. While most credit card fraud offenses are graded as third- or fourth-degree crimes, certain related fraud conduct (such as high-value theft by deception, identity theft involving multiple victims or large losses, or insurance fraud with multiple claims) can be charged as a second-degree crime with mandatory prison time, but ordinary credit card fraud itself is generally not a second-degree offense.
Fourth-degree credit card fraud charges
These are considered the least severe credit card fraud charges and can arise if an individual:
- Sells a stolen credit card;
- Uses a credit card as security for a loan with the full intent of defrauding the lender;
- Makes a false statement in order to obtain a credit card; or
- Uses or takes a credit card without the explicit consent of the card owner.
Penalties: Up to 18 months in prison, fines up to $10,000, restitution to victims, and court costs.
Third-degree credit card fraud charges
These charges are much more serious. An individual may be charged with third-degree credit card fraud if they:
- Use a stolen, altered, or fictitious credit card;
- Forge, alter, or counterfeit a credit card with intent to defraud;
- Possess equipment or materials used to forge credit cards;
- Use a credit card with the exact intent to defraud another person; or
- Furnish goods or services knowing the buyer is using a revoked, forged, or expired credit card.
Penalties: Up to 5 years in prison, fines up to $15,000, restitution to victims, and steep court costs.
Second-degree fraud (related, but not typical for credit card fraud itself)
While credit card fraud is usually third- or fourth-degree, second-degree fraud charges can arise in NJ when fraud involves:
- $75,000 or more in value (theft by deception);
- 5+ identity theft victims or $75,000+ loss;
- 5+ insurance false claims each over $1,000;
- Checks over $75,000 written with intent to defraud.
Penalties: 5–10 years in prison, fines up to $150,000, plus restitution and court costs.
Hire a Credit Card Fraud Lawyer Serving Trenton Residents Today: Contact LGR Law, LLC
When the time comes to hire a credit card fraud lawyer in Trenton, NJ, whether you are charged or threatened with a federal or state crime, look no further than the team at LGR Law, LLC. We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your loved ones, and we are here to defend you against the State or Federal Government with over 30 years of criminal defense experience, resources, and knowledge. Contact our offices today to learn how we can defend you or your loved one – and schedule your initial consultation. We are here to fight for your rights and protect your freedom.
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