Black Friday 2015 may be a bit more hectic than usual due to a new system of credit checks scheduled to roll out over the next few weeks. The system – known as Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV) – is designed to ward off credit fraud by installing mini-microprocessors into every credit card. Whenever the card is used it releases a unique code to the credit company in question, giving it a truly formidable encryption.
Merchants that use Visa or Master Card are required to have the new system installed in their stores no later than October 1. Most customers began receiving their new cards as early as this summer. This may seem like a rapid deployment for a completely revamped system of credit checks, but the United States has lagged significantly behind the rest of the world when it comes to credit fraud enforcement, as seen in the most recent hacks of Target and Home Depot customer information.
So what does this mean for you as a consumer and a credit card holder? For one thing, credit card transactions will now take significantly longer, as the new credit card readers are not just simple swipe process. Instead, your card must be inserted into the machine and scanned for a few seconds before being approved. While most folks will regard this as a bonus to their security (even if it does take longer), a loud and impatient few people will probably still find the process a nuisance.
In addition, those folks who decide to use a friend’s or loved ones’ credit card they could quickly find themselves in hot water. Why? Simply put – when an individual uses another person’s credit card without permission they are committing fraud. Of course, most people don’t actually acknowledge this or believe they are doing anything illegal. After all, if the card belongs to a family member or friend, what’s the harm? But given the current fear surrounding credit hacks and the industry-wide crackdown on card abuse, the question many people should be asking themselves is: Do I want to push my luck?
I’ve Been Accused of Credit Card Fraud – What Options Do I Have?
As with any criminal case, your defense options greatly depend on the details surrounding the case. When it comes to fraud, the question is – did you know or have the intent to defraud someone? So, if you’ve used a credit card that was not yours and without permission, the prosecution will need to prove that you understood the situation and went ahead with the purchase regardless. While this is can be a difficult task for the state, you will need a skilled defense attorney in order to ensure the best possible outcome.
If you’ve been accused of credit card fraud, contact the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti, today at (714) 707-2797 and schedule a case consultation to review your options.
