Credit card fraud is when someone uses your credit card or credit account to make a purchase you didn't authorize. This activity can happen in different ways. For example, if you lose your credit card or have it stolen, it can be used to make purchases or other transactions, either in person or online. And fraudsters can also steal your credit card account number, PIN and security code to make unauthorized transactions, without needing your physical credit card—unlawful transactions like these are known as card-not-present fraud.

Identity theft involves the use of illegally obtained information about you, like your name, birthday, Social Security number, credit card numbers and more, in order to use existing credit accounts or open new ones in your name. When this happens, criminals capture the spending power of your credit while you get stuck with the bill.

In Arkansas, credit card fraud and identity theft are criminal offenses under various statutes. Arkansas Code § 5-37-227 specifically addresses financial identity fraud, which includes using or possessing someone else's personal information, such as credit card numbers or Social Security numbers, without authorization for the purpose of obtaining credit, goods, services, or any other thing of value. This also covers the unauthorized use of a credit card, whether it is physically stolen or the card information is used without consent. Penalties for credit card fraud and identity theft in Arkansas can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the crime, the amount of money involved, and the criminal history of the offender. Victims of such fraud have certain protections and can report the crime to local law enforcement, the Arkansas Attorney General's office, and federal authorities. Additionally, federal laws such as the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) provide consumers with rights to dispute unauthorized charges and limit their liability for fraudulent transactions.