The number of credit and debit card fraud cases continues to grow throughout the United States. This type of identity theft is a growing concern that everyone should take notice of. Alaska's laws prohibit people from fraudulently obtaining or using a credit card, but what does that mean exactly? This is a brief summary of credit and debit card fraud in Alaska.
Alaska Credit Card Fraud
Credit and debit cards fall under a term that Alaska calls "access cards.†Access cards are cards, credit cards and account numbers that are capable of being used to obtain property. Under these laws, the fraudulent use of an access card or obtaining an access card by fraudulent means is considered a crime.
| Code Sections | Alaska Stat. §11.46.285 Fraudulent use of an access device; Alaska Stat. §11.46.290 Obtaining an access device or identification document by fraudulent means |
| What’s Prohibited? | "Fraudulent use of an access device" occurs if the person intends to defraud and the person knows the credit/debit card is:
"Obtaining an access device or identification document by fraudulent means" occurs if a person:
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| Penalty | "Fraudulent use of an access card" is a class B felony if the value of property obtained is $25,000 or more, a class C felony if the value of the property obtained is less than $25,000 but at least $50, and a class A misdemeanor if less than $50. "Obtaining an access device by fraudulent means" is a class C felony. A class B felony is punishable by up to ten years imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000. A class C felony is punishable by a prison term of up to five years and a fine of up to $50,000. A class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and fine of up to $10,000. |
If you believe that you are a victim of credit and debit card fraud, immediately file a complaint with the Alaska Attorney General's office. If you have been charged with committing credit and debit card fraud, search FindLaw for an Alaska Criminal Defense Attorney.
