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 Kansas, credit card fraud is considered a serious criminal offense. Under Kansas Statutes, specifically K.S.A. 21-5824, credit card fraud can include the unauthorized use of a credit card, obtaining a credit card by fraudulent means, or using a credit card with the intent to defraud. This encompasses situations where a credit card is lost or stolen and used to make unauthorized purchases, as well as card-not-present fraud where the card information is used without the physical card. Identity theft is addressed under K.S.A. 21-6107, which makes it illegal to use or possess any personal identifying information of another person with the intent to defraud for economic benefit. This includes using someone's name, birth date, Social Security number, or credit card numbers without authorization. Penalties for credit card fraud and identity theft in Kansas can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime and the amount of money involved.