Credit Card Fraud Laws in California – Penal Code 484e–484j
Credit card fraud is a broad category of theft and fraud crimes involving the unlawful use of credit cards, debit cards, account numbers, or related access information to obtain money, goods, or services.
In California, credit card fraud is aggressively prosecuted under California Penal Code sections 484e through 484j.
Depending on the allegations, cases may involve state prosecutors, federal authorities, and agencies such as the U.S. Secret Service.
A conviction can result in jail or prison time, heavy fines, restitution, and a permanent criminal record. Early legal intervention is critical.
Your best hope for a favorable outcome is with a highly experienced criminal defense attorney at Cron, Israels & Stark in Los Angeles. To schedule a consultation, call (424) 372-3112 or contact us here.
What Is Credit Card Fraud Under California Law?
California law defines credit card fraud as any unauthorized possession, use, alteration, counterfeiting, or publication of credit card information with the intent to defraud.
This includes:
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Physical credit or debit cards
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Account numbers and PINs
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Expired, stolen, altered, or counterfeit cards
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Devices or equipment used to manufacture cards
Importantly, the prosecution does not need to prove an actual financial loss—intent to defraud alone can be enough.
Overview of California Credit Card Fraud Statutes
California addresses credit card fraud through multiple statutes, each targeting specific conduct:
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California Penal Code 484e – Possession or sale of stolen credit cards
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California Penal Code 484f – Forging or altering credit card information
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California Penal Code 484g – Fraudulent use of credit cards
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California Penal Code 484h – Retailer fraud involving credit cards
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California Penal Code 484i – Counterfeiting credit cards or possession of card-making equipment
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California Penal Code 484j – Publishing stolen credit card information
Each statute carries different penalties and defense considerations.
Possession of Stolen Credit Cards – Penal Code 484e PC
Penal Code 484e PC makes it illegal to possess, sell, or transfer stolen credit cards or related information such as account numbers or PINs.
Key points:
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Actual use is not required
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Mere possession is enough
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Charged as a wobbler (misdemeanor or felony)
Penalties
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Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail, $1,000 fine
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Felony: 16 months, 2 or 3 years in custody, up to $10,000 fine
Forgery of Credit Card Information – Penal Code 484f PC
Penal Code 484f PC targets the forgery or alteration of credit card information, including:
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Altering an existing card
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Signing another person's name
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Creating fraudulent transaction documents
This offense overlaps with California Penal Code 470 and is also a wobbler offense.
Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card – Penal Code 484g PC
Penal Code 484g PC applies when someone knowingly uses a stolen, expired, altered, forged, or counterfeit credit card to obtain goods or services.
Charging Threshold
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$950 or less: Misdemeanor petty theft
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Over $950: Felony grand theft
The transaction does not need to be completed—attempted use is enough.
Retailer Credit Card Fraud – Penal Code 484h PC
Penal Code 484h PC applies to businesses or employees who:
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Charge credit cards for goods or services not provided
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Accept payment knowing the card is stolen or fraudulent
Penalties depend on the total value involved and may be charged as petty theft or grand theft.
Counterfeiting Credit Cards – Penal Code 484i PC
Penal Code 484i PC criminalizes:
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Manufacturing counterfeit cards
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Possessing counterfeit cards
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Possessing card-making equipment
Actual loss is not required. Intent to defraud is sufficient, and possession alone can support a conviction.
Publishing Credit Card Information – Penal Code 484j PC
Penal Code 484j PC makes it a crime to publish stolen credit card information, including:
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Account numbers
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PINs
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Passwords
This offense often arises in online or internet-based cases and is charged as a misdemeanor.
Penalties for Credit Card Fraud in California
Most credit card fraud offenses are wobblers, meaning they may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies.
Misdemeanor Penalties
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Up to 1 year in county jail
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Fines up to $1,000
Felony Penalties
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16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in custody
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Fines up to $10,000
Prosecutors consider:
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The intended or actual loss amount
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The defendant's criminal history
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Whether the conduct was organized or ongoing
Related California and Federal Offenses
Credit card fraud cases often involve additional charges, including:
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California Penal Code 487 - Receive stolen property
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California Penal Code 530.5 - Identity theft
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California Penal Code 182 - Conspiracy
California Penal Code 475 prohibits possessing specific counterfeit financial documents or forged items with the intent to deceive a person, business, or financial institution. Federal prosecution may also apply in interstate or large-scale fraud cases.
Common Defenses to Credit Card Fraud Charges
Credit card fraud cases often hinge on intent. Common defenses include:
Lack of Fraudulent Intent
Mistakes, misunderstandings, or authorization issues may negate criminal intent.
False Accusation
Fraud cases frequently involve complex financial records and misidentification.
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution must prove intent—not speculation.
Illegal Search or Seizure
Improper searches of devices or financial records may lead to suppression of evidence.
Prefiling Intervention & Early Resolution
In some cases, defense counsel may negotiate with prosecutors before formal charges are filed, potentially resulting in:
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Reduced charges
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Diversion
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Dismissal
Early representation significantly improves these outcomes.
Speak With a California Credit Card Fraud Defense Attorney
If you are under investigation or charged under Penal Code 484e–484j, the consequences can be severe.
Contact Cron, Israels & Stark for a confidential consultation. Our attorneys defend credit card fraud and white-collar theft cases throughout Los Angeles and Southern California.
📞 Call (424) 372-3112 today