What is the min/max penalty for credit card fraud under $500?

Question

my friend got someones credit card info and made a $400 utility payment obviously without consent what could happen to him

Answer 1

If caught he has to pay back the 400 dollars plus any other damages, if damages get over 1000 dollars then it may be a felony, depending on state law. If it's a felony then things get very bad. The victim's time is included in this, and so is the bank's time and money lost. For a 400 dollar charge its already over 1000, possibly 2000. So, pay back in full, plus jail time, for first offense hopefully only a few years with parole out in 6 months to 1 year. If done again they throw the book.

Answer 2

if the person that owns the card finds out that it was him I am sure he could press criminal charges, meaning prison and fines.

Answer 3

"If someone applies for a credit card in your name, they may be prosecuted under Title 18, USC 1341. The penalty is a $1,000 fine or up to five years' imprisonment, or both -- unless a financial institution is affected, in which case the fine may be raised to $1 million and imprisonment may ordered for up to 30 years."

Answer 4

pay back the 400 dollars

Answer 5

The amount is not the issue the fact that it was a credit card makes it a felony. So they are facing Credit Fraud, Identity Theft, Forgery, Theft and depending on the state laws possibly Wire Fraud and Petty Theft charges. If the person whose credit card was stolen wants to press charges then there are restitution charges of up to 10 times the amount or 4000 dollars plus court costs and attorney fees. In addition the credit card company can also press charges for the same amounts.

So they are looking at between 5 and 40 years of hard time plus a lot of money to payback...also never being able to hold any kind of government job or a job that requires a security clearance.

Answer 6

He'll probably have to pay a bunch of fines, well over $400.

Answer 7

I'm hoping a stiff fine and jail time.  I've had my credit card information stolen 3 times in the last 2 years.  Cost me thousands to correct.

Answer 8

A hefty fine, possible imprisonment for fraud.  

Answer 9

It depends on what state he committed the crime in.  Every state has different laws.  (Surprised you don't know this.)  In many states less than $500 is considered a misdemeanor.  He will be required to make restitution and pay a fine.  The rest of his punishment will depend on his age and prior record.  If this is his first crime he will probably get probation, a fine, restitution and community service.  If he has a criminal record he could end up doing jail time, but probably not prison.

Answer 10

your friend is very shortsighted

Answer 11

how did he get his utility up so high??? its nothing too bad, some fines, most likely if he doesnt have a criminal record he will be put on probation, the thing that sux is that it will come up on any background check and you i mean uh your "friend" cant even work a retail job because it deals with cash...