What is the penalty for credit card fraud?

Question

State: Idaho Amount Spent: 4000.00

My wife apparently got a credit card in her moms name. Spending the above amount on paying off bills and other debts. I had no clue of this until yesterday only cause her mom found out. had hopes of nobody ever finding out. So, this has been turned over to the fraud dept. Her mom didn't do it, the credit company did. Mom is not pressing charges, however she is upset. Can she stop the fraud investigation? What can my wife and I look forward to in all this?

Answer 1

Why should she stop it?  Even if she could?  Your wife not only defrauded someone, she did it to someone who trusted her.  That is even WORSE than doing it to a stranger.

In any case, it is out of the mom's hands.

If this is her first offense, she will likely get a fine, have to pay back the full amount, and will be on some form of probabtion.  She might get some community service if she gets a good judge.

Answer 2

No, your wife committed fraud against both her mother and the credit card company.  

Penalties for credit card fraud include fines and/or imprisonment for up to ten or twenty years, depending on the specific provisions of the law that has been violated.

Expect to pay back the $4,000 and expect that your wife will have a criminal record (probably a felony record at $4,000).  Most likely, a plea bargain is best and if restitution is made, can probably result in probation.  Your best bet is to hire a lawyer immediately.

Answer 3

Your wife stole money from her mom.

Your wife and you are unable to pay this back.

Your wife's mother found out because she either tried to get credit and was turned down; received a bill or call from the credit card issuer and told them that she didn't have the accounts, etc.  While she's "not pressing charges" she clearly has no intention of making this a gift and paying the bills herself.

In theory, your wife could be facing charges with up to 10 years imprisonment, though that is unlikely.  The federal statutes also allow for penalties.  

Answer 4

I found a huge online list of Idaho local credit card resources. http://www.howtofindcreditcard.com/Idaho... Try calling a nearby company and they can answer your questions.

Answer 5

Read here:

http://criminal-law.freeadvice.com/crimi...

Answer 6

That amount can be classified as grand theft.

Since the credit card company MAY have been victimized, they can pursue it. First thing you have to do is make them whole... pay back the money. Your mom MAY be able to stop them by saying it was family and it was a mistake, etc, but criminal charges are NOT brought by individuals... they are brought by the district attorney.

I'd seriously suggest talking to a lawyer.