Credit card fraud

Credit card fraud commonly involves using a card or card details without the cardholder’s authority to obtain money, goods or services. Offences are prosecuted under the Fraud Act 2006 and related statutes; where devices or hacking are used, the Computer Misuse Act 1990 may also apply. Legal outcome depends on intent, value and evidence.

Penalties range from fines and community orders to custodial sentences for serious or repeat offending. Sentences depend on loss amount, sophistication and culpability. Confiscation and restraint under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 can recover gains from offending; each case is judged on its facts.

No. You should politely decline until you have legal representation. Early legal presence protects against self-incrimination, ensures fair process and helps secure necessary disclosure to shape a defence. Ask for a solicitor and then call Ashmans for immediate support.

Yes. Banks may freeze accounts when they suspect fraud or money laundering, and authorities can seek restraint orders. Early legal intervention can prompt banks to provide necessary information and can lead to applications to vary or discharge unreasonable freezes.

Absolutely. Directors, employees and business owners can be investigated if card transactions are suspicious. Merchant disputes, chargebacks, and weak payment security can all trigger enquiries. We advise businesses on internal reviews, regulatory reporting and defending against criminal or civil claims.

Common defences include lack of intent, mistaken identity, consent, lawful authority, or errors in transaction processing. Digital evidence can be unreliable; we instruct experts to demonstrate alternative explanations, such as system faults or third-party misuse.

Times vary: some inquiries conclude quickly without charges, others take months where forensic accounts, device forensics or multi-jurisdictional banking records are involved. We press for prompt disclosure and challenge unnecessary delay to reduce prejudice to clients.

Yes. A fraud conviction can impede professional licences, employment in finance, and international travel. Some professions require disclosure of convictions and the FCA may take regulatory action. Early mitigation and careful representation reduce these risks but no outcome can be guaranteed.