• Most types of credit card fraud are considered felonies in Illinois.handcuffs image by Daniel Wiedemann from Fotolia.com
  
  In Illinois, a person is guilty of credit card fraud if he uses a person's credit card or credit card number without that person's permission. Issuing credit cards without the permission of an issuing agency is also considered fraud. Making false statements on credit applications for the purpose of obtaining credit or altering credit cards are also fraudulent activities. Credit card fraud is taken seriously in Illinois; conviction of this crime usually involves jail or prison time.
  
  

Penalties for Credit Card Fraud

• Most credit card fraud is considered a Class 4 felony in Illinois. Class 4 felonies are punishable by one to three years in prison with the possibility of parole. If credit card fraud exceeds $300 in a six-month period, a person is guilty of a class 3 felony, which is punishable by two to five years in prison with the possibility of parole.
  
  

Credit Card Fraud by Cardholder

• If the legitimate owner of a credit card uses the card with the intent to defraud--e.g. makes purchases using the card and intends not to pay the bill when it comes--Illinois law may consider the fraudulent activity to be a misdemeanor rather than a felony. Misdemeanor fraud is punishable by one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. If the fraud involves more than $150 in a six-month period, the person is guilty of a class 4 felony rather than a misdemeanor.
  
  

Counterfeit Cards

• If a person knowingly possesses and uses a card that has been altered in any way, he is guilty of using a counterfeit card. Illinois law does not make a distinction between a person who counterfeits a card and a person who simply uses a counterfeit card. Both are considered class 4 felonies. If a person possesses two or more counterfeit cards, the law considers it likely that he knew the cards were counterfeit.