How long do you go to jail for credit card fraud?
Emma Miller
Updated on February 01, 2026
In most states, if the thief uses a stolen credit card to buy goods or to get cash over the amount defined as a misdemeanor, the crime becomes a felony. Depending on the situation, thieves may face up to 15 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. Again, thieves may also have to pay restitution.
Is credit card fraud always a crime?
Credit card fraud is usually, but not always, a felony offense . Felonies are more serious crimes, which usually result in more than a year of jail time.
Do police go after credit card thieves?
While police often do not have the jurisdiction to go after credit card fraud, that does not mean that you are without protection. With federal protection from liability and most card issuers offer zero liability protection, you will rarely have to pay anything in cases of fraud.
How serious is credit card fraud?
The penalties for credit card fraud in California can vary depending on the circumstances and severity of the case. On the low end, it is a year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. On the high end, it is punishable by up to three years in county jail and a $10,000 fine. Credit card fraud is also a federal offense.
What happens if you commit credit card fraud?
What is the punishment for credit card fraud?
Punishment for Credit Card Fraud. Class 3 felonies are punishable by two to five years in prison and a $150,000 fine. Class 2 felonies can result in jail time of three to seven years and fines of up to $200,000. These severe penalties will have serious repercussions on the defendant’s freedom and financial future.
How long can you go to jail for fraud?
If the fraud is tried as a misdemeanor, the fraudster is look at 90 days in prison as a first time offender or one year in prison as a repeat offender.
Can a person go to jail for credit card theft?
In addition to the identity theft itself, criminals can be punished under federal law for using devices that facilitate fraudulent activity, such as skimmers or other counterfeit access devices. Minor offenses can result in fines, jail time, or both, but felony-level credit card theft and fraud can lead to prison.
How often do credit card fraudsters get caught?
If the authorities follow up on any accounts it will only lead them to the shipping mules, weeks after the fraudsters have cut ties and moved on to a new mule. This is one of the most common and simplest types of fraud that is currently happening at this level.
A credit card fraud case that goes to court and results in a conviction will typically get a prison sentence of four or five years, and more for severe cases. How does a court decide on the seriousness of the credit card fraud offence for sentencing purposes?
What’s the punishment for stealing a credit card?
The punishment for a minor offense is typically a monetary fine, rarely jail time. Typically, minor offense includes stealing the card but not using it. Misdemeanor. The punishment can be a combination of a higher monetary fine and jail time.
What kind of crime is credit card fraud?
Credit card fraud is a broad term that covers any crime involving a payment card. Usually, the goal of credit card fraud is to get access to someone else’s funds, but it can sometimes involve identity theft as well.
Why is securing a competent credit card fraud important?
Securing a competent credit card fraud to build a defence for you and to support you is critical. In some situations, they may even be able to get the case dismissed before it reaches the court stage. What type of actions are considered credit card fraud?