by 
Authorities take crimes related to alleged credit card fraud very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that in one recent case the Secret Service became involved. Now, three California residents between the ages of 27 and 35 are facing charges related to what the Secret Service is calling the “most inclusive and extensive” ever credit card fraud operation to be in the area.
In looking at the allegations, the investigation into the alleged credit card fraud operation actually started last year after a man had his checkbook stolen during a burglary. After the checkbook was stolen, authorities claim the suspects started a rather elaborate scheme to make it look like other people were taking money out of the man’s bank account.
At some point, authorities were led to the suspects’ home. When police arrived on the scene, two of those arrested were supposedly in the process of committing fraud online.
Once in the house, supplies typically used to make fake credit cards, along with IDs and counterfeit money were found. Weapons and drugs were also allegedly found on the premises.
Three people were arrested and all are facing charges for credit card fraud, forgery, counterfeiting, possession of equipment to manufacture fraudulent documents and illegally obtaining personal information. Every one of these charges is a felony and their bail has been set at $5 million.
As this case goes to show, it is quite common for credit card fraud charges to be accompanied by other criminal charges. Depending on the circumstances of the charges, just a credit card fraud conviction can come with it a rather lengthy jail sentence, let alone the other consequences that can come from the other charges.
Due to the consequences of a credit card fraud charge, and the potential for these charges to affect the rest of a person’s life, it is important for anyone accused of these types of crimes to not try and go at this alone. Rather, those facing credit card fraud charges in California need a criminal defense attorney on their side with experience handling these types of cases.
Source: Contra Costa Times, “Secret Service agents help halt suspected ID theft ring in San Jose,” Mark Gomez, May 8, 2013 [no longer available from source]
