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 Oklahoma, credit card fraud and identity theft are criminal offenses under state law. Credit card fraud may include situations where someone uses, possesses, or transfers a credit card or its information without authorization to make unauthorized purchases or transactions. This can occur with a physical card or through card-not-present transactions, such as online purchases using stolen card details. Oklahoma statutes specifically address fraudulent use of a credit card under Title 21, Section 1550.22, which makes it illegal to use a credit card with the intent to defraud, including using a stolen or lost card or card information. Identity theft is also a serious crime in Oklahoma, governed by Title 21, Section 1533.1, which prohibits the willful and unauthorized use of another individual's personal identifying information to carry out any unlawful activity, including opening new credit accounts or making unauthorized transactions. Both offenses can result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment, and are prosecuted by the state. Victims of such crimes should report the activity to law enforcement and may also need to contact their financial institutions to protect their credit and financial interests.