What are some penalties for credit card fraud?

Penalties for credit card fraud vary by state, but the crime is often punishable by a fine, jail sentence or a combination of both, according to HG.org. The severity of the punishment generally depends on the amount or value of the theft.

Credit card fraud, which also includes debit card fraud, is a form of identity theft, notes FindLaw. It occurs when a person illegally uses someone else’s credit card information to make purchases or withdraw money. Credit card fraud laws are generally written in vague enough terms to include a wide variety of fraudulent conduct, but the crime is usually classified as a misdemeanor or a felony.