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 Ohio, credit card fraud is considered a form of identity theft and is covered under various state statutes and federal laws. Ohio Revised Code Section 2913.02 defines theft, which can include the unauthorized use of a credit card. More specifically, Ohio Revised Code Section 2913.21 addresses misuse of credit cards and makes it illegal to use, obtain, or possess someone else's credit card without their consent with the intent to defraud. Penalties for credit card fraud in Ohio can range from misdemeanor charges for smaller amounts to felony charges for larger amounts or for repeat offenses. Additionally, federal laws such as the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) provide consumers with certain protections against unauthorized credit card transactions and establish procedures for disputing fraudulent charges. Victims of credit card fraud in Ohio are encouraged to report the crime to local law enforcement and may also need to contact their credit card issuer to dispute unauthorized charges and to have fraudulent transactions removed from their account.