Bank Fraud

Common forms of bank fraud are check fraud and credit card fraud.

Check fraud is the attempt to defraud the payee either through forging the name on the check, changing the amount on the check, or generating a fake check. Check fraud may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony.

Penalties for Check Fraud

Penalties for check fraud include 1 year in jail and possible $1,000 fine for a misdemeanor. Felony check fraud is punishable by up to 3 years in prison and possible $10,000 fine.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud is any fraudulent activity related to credit or debit cards or the information contained on credit or debit cards. Credit card fraud occurs when you attempt to use someone else’s card without their consent (including stolen credit cards). It also includes knowingly used expired cards. This type of fraud can be either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the facts of the case.

Penalties for Credit Card Fraud

If the credit card fraud is punishable as petty theft, it is a misdemeanor punishable by 6 months in jail.

Credit card fraud can be charged as forgery or grand theft and can be either a misdemeanor or felony. A misdemeanor charge can result in up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Forgery and grand theft charged as a felony carries a maximum of three years in prison and $10,000 fine.