Understanding the Different Types of Credit Card Fraud

With the holiday season just behind us, credit card fraud is on the rise. For this reason, it’s becoming increasingly important for consumers to be aware of what types of fraud exist. Credit card fraud can take many forms, from identity theft to phishing scams. It’s also important to understand how banks detect and prevent credit card fraud so that you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.

In this blog post, we will look at the different types of credit card fraud and discuss ways to protect yourself against them. We will also examine bank policies regarding fraudulent charges and explain what happens when someone is accused of committing credit card fraud. By understanding these concepts, you’ll be better prepared to safeguard your financial information and avoid becoming a victim of credit card fraud.

Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a Credit Card Fraud Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana.
Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a Credit Card Fraud Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana.

Common Forms of Credit Card Crimes

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone illegally obtains another person’s credit card information and uses it for their own personal gain. This can involve opening a new account in the victim’s name, making fraudulent purchases on an existing account, or even selling the stolen information to other criminals who can then use the card for their own fraudulent activities. Credit card companies use sophisticated fraud detection and prevention algorithms to identify potential identity theft attempts, such as unusual purchases or withdrawals from the account.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are another type of credit card fraud that involves sending emails or text messages pretending to be from a legitimate company in order to obtain sensitive information. These messages may include links that lead to a fake website and attempt to collect the recipient’s credit card number, expiration date, security code, and other personal information. Credit card companies are vigilant about monitoring for phishing attempts and use multiple layers of fraudulence protection to keep customer accounts secure.

Bank Policies Regarding Credit Card Fraud

Banks have specific policies in place to protect customers from credit card fraudulence. If a customer is suspected of being involved in fraudulent activity, banks will investigate the situation and may freeze the account while they conduct their inquiry. Credit card companies also have zero liability policies, which means that customers are not liable for any unauthorized charges made on their cards.

Consequences of Credit Card Fraud in Indiana

Credit card fraudulence is an incredibly serious crime in Indiana, with real and lasting consequences that can go far beyond the damage caused to a person’s finances. Credit card crimes include activities such as unauthorized purchases on a credit card, using someone else’s card without permission, or manufacturing or transferring counterfeit cards. Credit card fraud can drive up costs for merchants, leading to higher prices for local shoppers; it also puts consumers at risk of financial ruin if their accounts are not adequately protected. In addition, an individual found guilty of Credit card fraud in Indiana can be charged with felony theft and face up to three years in prison.

Credit card fraud is a serious offense, and those found guilty of it may face criminal charges as well as hefty fines. If you have been charged recently, contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to discuss your case with an experienced credit card fraud attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. Meet over the phone, via Zoom/Skype, or in person at our Downtown Indy office.

Related Posts:

What are the Legal Repercussions of Check Fraud?
What You Need to Know About Indiana Tax Fraud
Top 4 Ways to Avoid Bankruptcy Fraud

Will I Be Arrested for Writing a Bad Check?

When a person writes a check and presents it to a bank or merchant, and does so knowing that their bank account cannot cover it, they are committing a crime called check fraud. Passing a bad check can be defended in court by claiming “you did not know” if the state cannot prove intent. This is because passing a bad check is sometimes unintentional, and rather, a result of poor or irresponsible banking practice. On the other hand, there are countless cases of intentional check fraud, ranging from petty to white collar.

What happens to a person who knowingly writes a bad check? Continue reading to find out.

Indiana Bank Fraud Lawyer
Indiana Bank Fraud Lawyer 317-636-7514

Intentional and Knowing

In order for a person to be convicted of check fraud, the state must prove that the defendant wrote and submitted the check knowing that there was not enough money in the account to cover the amount. This court standard is called “intentional and knowing”, and it is the primary element to every check fraud case. If a person is simply bad at balancing their check book, it is possible that they did not knowingly write a bad check.

In this case, the state could not prove intent, so the court could not convict the defendant of check crime. However, the defendant can still be held liable in civil court for any bad checks written. In civil court, they can be ordered to pay restitution to the merchant that received the bad check. Not paying back restitution could lead to more lawsuits and poor credit scores.

What to Do if You Write a Bad Check

If you accidentally write a bad check, you must resolve the situation immediately in order to show you are not trying to defraud anyone. This means paying back the bank for any overdrafts and associated fees, or paying back the merchant who cashed the check. In these cases, time is of the essence, so be sure to act fast. Even a phone call to notify the merchant can help avoid criminal charges from being filed.

Intentional Check Fraud

If you intentionally wrote a bad check, it is not likely that the police will come knocking at your door to arrest you. Instead, the state will issue an arrest warrant and you will need to surrender to the jail and then post bail. If you are worried about being arrested or caught, you need to speak with a licensed criminal defense lawyer right away. They can help you develop a plan that best protects your rights and prevents the maximum penalties for your charges.

Here in Indiana, bank fraud is generally charged as a Level 6 Felony. This is punishable by up to 3 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, and several other court-ordered penalties.

How to Beat Your Indiana Bank Fraud Charges

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 right away if you are facing criminal charges for bank fraud in Indiana. Our skilled criminal defense lawyers retain decades of trial and litigation experience in criminal law and will get to work the very same day you hire us. We will instantly begin investigating your case and building a powerful defense on your behalf. And if we must, we will take your case to trial if we have to, and challenge any evidence brought against you in an effort to obtain the most favorable resolution possible. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options today.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Can I Get Arrested For Not Paying My Taxes?

Tax Day is soon approaching, whether you are ready for it or not. Fortunately, with the recent government extensions granted to United States citizens, you will likely be well-prepared to pay your dues. But what happens to those who do not? After all, the old saying, “the only two things promised in life are death and taxes” is an adage for a reason. There are various consequences for failing to pay state and federal taxes, and similarly, consequences for lying on tax documents.

Continue reading to learn the laws surrounding tax crimes, including what to do if you have legal questions regarding your tax situation.

Indianapolis Fraud Lawyer 317-636-7514
Indianapolis Fraud Lawyer 317-636-7514

State and Federal Tax Fraud in Indiana

Intentionally not paying or under-paying your taxes, whether state, federal, or both, is a white collar crime in Indiana. Referred to as tax fraud or tax evasion, it is generally charged as a Class A Misdemeanor or Level 6 Felony.

Class A Misdemeanor – Up to 1 year in jail, with no advisory sentence. Fines up to $5,000, not including court or lawyer fees.

Level 6 Felony – Six Months to 2.5 years in jail, with an average of 1 year. Fines up to $10,000, not including court or lawyer fees.

Made Some Mistakes on Your Tax Documents?

Do not worry if you unknowingly made some errors on your tax documents. Tax mistakes are not considered tax fraud unless they are egregious or intentional.

Lying on Tax Forms

Often referred to as “cooking the books” in old gangster movies, lying on tax forms for the purpose of evading dues, defrauding the state, or receiving pecuniary benefits, is a very serious white collar tax fraud crime. It is charged as a Level 6 Felony, which is penalized by six months to 2.5 years in jail, with an advisory sentence of 1 year, and fines up to $10,000, not including court or lawyer fees.

Restitution or Jail?

In minor cases, or cases of first time offenders, courts might agree to do away with jail time if a defendant pays back the money they owe, plus any fees tacked on for late payment. Paying back taxes is referred to as restitution, and it is a common plea deal awarded in court. In order to be given the option of restitution over jail time, you must have a skilled criminal defense lawyer working your case. Otherwise, you are subjected to being sentenced to the maximum penalties for your crime.

Trust an Experienced Indiana Fraud Lawyer

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 to get help with your Indiana fraud charges, today. Whether charged with fraud or some other type of white collar crime, our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies of defense for your case. Avoid the maximum penalties for your criminal charges by calling David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, today!

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Choose David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, to Fight Fraud Charges in Indiana

You CAN avoid the maximum penalties for fraud charges with the right criminal defense representation.

Indianapolis Fraud Lawyer 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Fraud Lawyer 317-636-7514

David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, provides aggressive criminal defense in Indiana for all misdemeanor and felony criminal charges and crimes, including all levels of fraud. Fraud crimes in Indiana can come with some severe penalties, such as jail time, large fines, probation, home detention, GPS electronic monitoring, drivers’ license suspension, community service, drug screening, restitution, and more.

Don’t Let a Fraud Charge Hold You Back

Fraud charges range between Misdemeanors and Felonies, depending on the nature of the crime and any enhancements that may apply. Enhancements can include priors, firearm possession, evading the law, and more. Regardless of the type of fraud crime you are charged with, David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law can help you avoid the maximum penalties you face. Our law firm has represented several clients who have faced a variety of fraud charges.

Our fraud practice areas include, but are not limited to:

❏ Accounting Fraud
❏ Investment Fraud
Bank Fraud
❏ Mail Fraud
Bankruptcy Fraud
❏ Mortgage Fraud
❏ Check Fraud
❏ Organized Fraud
Credit Card Fraud
❏ Securities Fraud
❏ Government Fraud
Prescription Fraud
❏ Healthcare Fraud
❏ Tax Fraud
❏ Identity Fraud
❏ Wire Fraud
❏ Insurance Fraud
Welfare Fraud
❏ Internet Fraud
❏ Workers Comp Fraud

 

You Can Get Started Before Charges are Filed Against You!

If you were recently arrested on fraud charges in Indiana, it is in your best interest to contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, as soon as possible. He will get started on your fraud defense before formal charges are filed against you. He will begin building you a strong and impactful defense that challenges every allegation against you. And he will work around the clock to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms.

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

He is a sincere and present advocate for his clients. By maintaining open communication and refraining from using confusing legal jargon, his clients always stay fully-informed of their case proceedings and status. This makes his clients feel safe, secure, and confident that their case is in the hands of a competent and committed lawyer. Let David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, be your legal advocate. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation, today.

Information About Felony Tax Evasion Crimes and Convictions

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

If a person fails to pay or underpays their taxes, they can be charged with the crime of tax evasion, also referred to as tax fraud. Tax evasion is generally the act of purposely neglecting to pay taxes in full, while tax fraud can better be applied to the act of fraudulently filling out tax documents to owe less money.
Whether accused of tax evasion or tax fraud, the penalties for these white collar crimes are severe.

It is important to discuss your criminal charges with a knowledgeable fraud lawyer and learn what legal options are available to you. A licensed and experienced criminal defense attorney will fight for your rights using every resource in their power to ensure your freedoms are protected and preserved. With a seasoned criminal lawyer in your corner, your odds at avoiding jail time and other harsh penalties are much higher. Take on the weight of your criminal charges by hiring a licensed criminal lawyer that can place you in the best possible legal position.

Taxes Include but are Not Limited to:

• Excise
• Income
• Gaming
• Property
• Sales
• State
• Federal
• And More

Evasion of tax is a Level 6 Felony offense in Indiana, which is punishable by 1 year or more in prison, fines up to $10,000, various court-ordered penalties, and a life-long felony record. Failing to preserve one’s tax records for the Department of Revenue (DOR) to review is also a crime, charged as a Class A Misdemeanor and punishable by up to 1 year in jail, up to five thousand dollars in fines, and additional court-ordered penalties. The best chance at avoiding these maximum penalties is having the right defense lawyer on your side. Attorney David E. Lewis knows how to fight allegations of tax fraud and evasion, and will protect you from overly-aggressive prosecution.

Types of Tax Evasion Crimes:

• Fraudulently Filling Out Tax Documents to Owe Less
• Failing to Pay Income Taxes
• Failing to Pay Non-Income Taxes
• Failing to File State Income Taxes
• Failing to Report Income
• Reporting Income Gained from Illegal Activity as a Legal Source of Income
• Inflating Tax Deductions to Owe Less
• Deliberately Assigning Inaccurate Values to Assets
• Hiding Assets or Income
• Prohibiting the Indiana Department of Revenue from Examining Records
• Failing to Produce Records or Testimony
• Defrauding the DOR
• “Cooking the Books” Making False Record Entries

Arrests never come at a convenient time, and facing charges for tax evasion or other serious fraud crimes can make you fearful and confused. It is necessary to have the proper guidance in order to make the best legal decisions under the stress of pending criminal charges. Your next few moves could greatly influence and impact the outcome of your case, and ultimately, your future.

Indianapolis Fraud Crime Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to avoid felony charges for fraud crimes in Indiana. He is a licensed fraud crime lawyer with decades of trial and litigation experience in criminal law. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options today. He will get to work instantly, investigating your case and building a powerful defense on your behalf. He will take your case to trial if he has to, and challenge any evidence brought against you in an effort to obtain the most favorable resolution possible. Call our office at 317-636-7514 right away if you are facing fraud charges in Indianapolis, IN.