New Hampshire Credit and Debit Card Fraud
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
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The most typical form of credit or debit card fraud occurs when a stolen card is used to purchase goods or services without the cardholder's authorization. However, card fraud also occurs anytime an intentional deceptive act (that is related to a credit or debit card) is done for monetary or personal gain. This type of fraud occurs in many diverse circumstances and can be committed by cardholders, card issuers, or third parties alike. The table below outlines New Hampshire's main credit card fraud statute.
Code Section |
New Hampshire Revised Statutes section 638:5: Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card |
What's Prohibited? |
Using a credit card in order to obtain property or services while knowing that:
|
What's a "Credit Card?"
|
A credit card is a writing or other evidence of an undertaking to pay for property or services delivered or rendered to or upon the order of a designated person or bearer. |
Penalties |
Fraudulently using a credit card is a class A felony if:
Fraudulently using a credit card is a class B felony if:
Fraudulent use of a credit card is a misdemeanor offense in all other cases. |
Typical Defenses to Credit Card Fraud Charges
- No intent to commit fraud, or
- Authorization was given by the credit card holder
What to Do If You're a Victim
1). Report the fraudulent act to a law enforcement agency. In New Hampshire credit card fraud and identity theft can be reported to the Attorney General.
2). Notify your credit card company immediately.
3). Contact the three major credit card bureaus:
Additional Resources
State laws change frequently. For case specific information regarding New Hampshire's credit and debit card fraud laws contact a local consumer protection attorney or criminal defense lawyer.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.
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