What Are the Penalties for Credit Card Fraud?
Posted on October 22, 2024
Credit card fraud is a serious offence in Ontario, carrying significant penalties that can affect your life for years if you're found guilty. Legal cases, both civil and criminal, involving credit card fraud are complex. If you've been charged or sued for fraud, it's important to work with a reputable and experienced fraud lawyer in Toronto or Ontario who has proven expertise with similar cases. As a leading civil litigation lawyer and criminal defence lawyer in Ontario, Robert Karrass and the Karrass Law team can help you understand the penalties of credit card fraud and navigate the charges. To learn more about how we can help you, book a legal consultation with our team.
What is Credit Card Fraud?
Credit card fraud occurs when one person uses someone else's credit card information for financial gain. There are a number of ways credit card fraud can occur. Ultimately, credit card fraud is when credit cards or credit card information is stolen and used to make unauthorized purchases that either defraud a vendor, financial institution, or the cardholder. Credit card fraud can happen when a person physically steals a credit card, illegally gets credit card numbers and other personal data or through cloning and skimming.
Is Credit Card Fraud a Criminal Offence?
In Ontario and across Canada, credit card fraud is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, section 342.
The law applies broadly, covering various types of fraudulent credit card activity, whether the individual physically steals a card or unlawfully accesses credit card information. Under this section, both the unauthorized possession and the use of credit card data are punishable offences.
What Are the Penalties of Credit Card Fraud?
Penalties for credit card fraud vary based on the specifics of the case, such as the amount defrauded and the way in which the fraud happened. Generally, individuals found guilty of credit card fraud could face up to 14 years in prison, particularly in cases involving large-scale fraud or organized crime. For lesser frauds under $5,000, the penalties include fines, imprisonment for up to 2 years, and other legal consequences like restitution to victims.
How Can Fraud Charges Affect the Rest of Your Life?
Aside from imprisonment and fines, there are other long-term consequences for individuals convicted of credit card fraud in Ontario.
These include:
- A Criminal Record: A conviction for credit card fraud will lead to a criminal record, which can affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, or even travel outside of Canada.
- Probation: In some cases, a judge may order probation as part of your sentence. Probation conditions can include regular check-ins with a probation officer, limitations on your movements, and restrictions on certain types of activities.
- Restitution: Those convicted of credit card fraud may be required to pay restitution to the victims of the fraud, covering the value of what was stolen or lost. This could be imposed alongside other financial penalties, further increasing your financial burden.
If you or a loved one has been charged with criminal fraud in Ontario, it's crucial to consult with Robert Karrass, a leading criminal lawyer in Toronto serving Ontario. The Karrass Law team will build a strong legal defence that helps you minimize penalties and get the best possible result.
To get started, book a legal consultation.
What is the Impact on Civil Credit Card Cases
Civil credit card fraud cases are disputes between two private parties, typically the defrauded individual or institution and the person accused of fraud. If you're being sued for credit card fraud, the goal of the plaintiff is likely to recover any financial damages. To protect your best interests, it's recommended to book a legal consultation with a civil fraud lawyer. At Kararass Law, our experience with civil litigation and fraud will help us provide a strong defence to help you defend against claims of liability and negotiate settlements where appropriate.
How a Criminal Defence Lawyer Can Help You
If you've been charged with credit card fraud, having a qualified criminal defence lawyer is essential to building a strong defence and protecting your best interests. When penalized to the fullest extent of the law, credit card fraud can mean hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. With dedication and strategy, your criminal defence lawyer can help you reduce charges or end up with the best possible results. At Karrass Law, our team works carefully to assess evidence, negotiate plea deals with the crown when necessary, and represent you robustly in the trial when required.
Protect Yourself Against Fraud Charges with Criminal Fraud Lawyers at Karrass Law
Credit card fraud in Ontario carries severe penalties, including potential jail time, fines, and long-term consequences. If you're facing charges, seeking a legal consultation with a trusted criminal defence lawyer is crucial. At Karrass Law, we provide high-level, strategic, and effective legal advice and top-tier representation that is supported by our experience with civil and criminal fraud cases. If you've been accused or charged, protect your best interest and book a legal consultation at Karrass Law. We offer virtual and in-person consultations.
Contact Us today.