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 Rhode Island, credit card fraud and identity theft are criminal offenses under state law. Credit card fraud may include the unauthorized use of someone's credit card or account information to make purchases or withdraw funds. This can occur through the physical theft of the card or by obtaining the card information such as the account number, PIN, or security code. Rhode Island General Laws § 11-49-3 specifically addresses fraudulent use of credit cards, making it illegal to use, attempt to use, or allow another person to use a credit card with the intent to defraud. Identity theft is covered under Rhode Island General Laws § 11-49.1-3, which makes it illegal to obtain personal identifying information of another person without their authorization and with the intent to commit unlawful acts. Penalties for these crimes can include fines, restitution, and imprisonment. Victims of credit card fraud or identity theft in Rhode Island are encouraged to report the crime to local law enforcement and may also need to contact their financial institutions to protect their accounts.