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The Daily Insight Hub

Is Stealing someones debit card illegal?

Author

Isabella Turner

Updated on January 29, 2026

California Credit Card Fraud Laws. Penal Code Sections 484e, 484f, 484g, 484h, 484i, and 484j all make it a crime for a person to commit credit card, debit card, and/or access card fraud. It says a person cannot use a stolen, fake, or expired card to procure cash or goods while knowing that it is not valid.

What happens if someone steals debit card?

The most critical step is to contact your bank—immediately. Let them know that your debit card has been stolen or that you suspect fraudulent use of your card number. Your loss is limited to $50 if you notify your financial institution within two business days after learning of the theft.

Do police investigate debit card theft?

The police will carry out an investigation into stolen credit cards when they have found a suspect during their initial investigations. One thing about credit card fraud is that the majority of them occur on a wide scale especially overseas. More often than not, such cases are handled by the American secret service.

Can you go to jail for stealing someone’s credit card information?

Minor offenses can result in fines, jail time, or both, but felony-level credit card theft and fraud can lead to prison. “Minor offenses can result in fines, jail time, or both, but felony-level credit card theft and fraud can lead to prison.”

Can you find out who used your debit card?

Call your bank’s 800 number and select the option to speak with a representative. Ask for full details about the debit card transaction. You will receive the company name, transaction ID and phone number.

Can police track your debit card?

Yes of course. All your financial activity can be tracked and is traceable by an authority with a proper warrant. Your debit issuer Bank has your card activity including dates, time, merchant category, merchant name, country, amounts, etc to share with authorities if needed. Technically, yes.

Can a person go to jail for credit card fraud?

People do go to jail for credit card fraud, and they can stay there for surprisingly long periods of time. However, that usually happens after they get caught deliberately stealing credit cards from other people, making duplicate credit cards and performing other crimes.

Is it illegal to use someone else’s debit card?

Yes, unauthorized use of someone else’s debit card is also considered credit card fraud. If I use someone else’s card by mistake, is it considered credit card fraud? In most cases, no. Using someone else’s card unintentionally, may not hold you liable for credit card fraud.

Is it a crime to steal a debit card?

Debit Card Thieves. Stealing a debit card or using a debit card number to make unauthorized transactions is a crime in every state. The specific crime the thief will be charged with depends upon your state’s laws and the specific nature of the theft.

Can you sue the person who stole your debit card?

You can also sue the person who stole your card to recover any damages, and your card company can sue the thief to recover any damages it sustains. Liability is a measure of how much you have to pay out of your own pocket for debit card theft.