Three Most Common Kinds of Credit Card Fraud

CNP, skimming, and CNA fraud are the most common kinds of bank card fraud.

In the e-commerce era, bank card fraud has increased significantly. In fact, 65% of Americans have been the victims of credit or debit card fraud at one time or another. Sometimes, banks cover these losses. Generally, these fraud victims are on their own. So, it is important for consumers to be aware of some common scams and how to avoid them.

Since prosecutors are so aggressive in this area, it is also important for credit card fraud defendants to partner with a Norcross criminal defense attorney. Even a single fraud incident that involves a small amount of money is usually a felony under Georgia law. Fortunately, a full array of defenses are available.

CNA (Card Never Arrived)

This type of bank card fraud is similar to CNP fraud, which is discussed below. Quite simply, CNA means the account holder ordered a card, but it never arrived in the mail because someone intercepted it, or it went to the wrong address.

Checking mail frequently and ensuring that cards must be activated by using other personal information, such as the last four digits of a Social Security number, greatly reduces the chances of CNA fraud.

This type of fraud is also like CNP fraud in terms of legal defenses. Frequently, a roommate, friend, family member, or spouse is the intercepting party. The permission defense, which is outlined below, could apply in these situations.

Skimming

Always use the chip reader when possible. Chip technology has all but eliminated credit card skimming, which was one the most common kinds of bank card fraud. Skimming devices cannot read magnetic strips and steal information if the buyer does not swipe the card. So, beware of older card readers that require swiping and ATMs that look like someone has tampered with them.

Prosecutors often use surveillance camera footage to connect a device with a person. These searches and seizures often involve complex Fourth Amendment issues. The defendant “owns” his or her image, but the company owns the camera and the footage.

CNP (Card Not Present)

Before 2010, CNP fraud was by far the least-charged type of credit card fraud. Today, it is by far the most common type of credit card fraud, as e-commerce transactions are off the charts. Furthermore, card security has increased in almost every area except this area.

Quite simply, CNP fraud is using credit card information without a physical card. Some evildoers send emails or text messages that trick people into turning over their card details. Others simply eavesdrop and obtain this information.

To combat this kind of fraud, guard your information closely, keep a close eye on your statements, and replace your cards frequently.

In criminal court, owner permission is often an effective defense to these charges. If an owner allowed use once and never affirmatively revoked that permission, the usage permission is still valid.

Count on a Hard-Working Gwinnett County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Credit card fraud is possible to avoid, and so are the consequences of a fraud conviction. For a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Norcross, contact Zimmerman & Associates, Attorneys at Law. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we start fighting for you.