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 New Jersey, credit card fraud and identity theft are serious criminal offenses. Under New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.) 2C:21-6, it is illegal to use, attempt to use, or conspire to use any credit card to obtain money, goods, services, or anything else of value without the consent of the cardholder. This includes using a lost or stolen credit card, as well as using the card number, PIN, and security code for unauthorized transactions. Card-not-present fraud is also covered under this statute. Identity theft is addressed under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17, which makes it illegal to assume another person's identity or impersonate someone to benefit personally or to injure or defraud another. This includes using someone's personal information, such as their name, Social Security number, or credit card information, without authorization. Penalties for these crimes can include fines, restitution, and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and the amount of money involved.