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 Virginia, credit card fraud and identity theft are serious criminal offenses. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-192, it is illegal for anyone to use a stolen or lost credit card, or the card number and security information, to make unauthorized transactions. This statute covers both physical card theft and card-not-present fraud. Additionally, Virginia Code § 18.2-186.3 addresses identity theft, making it illegal to obtain another person's identifying information without their consent, with the intent to defraud. Penalties for these crimes can range from misdemeanor charges for smaller amounts to felony charges for larger amounts or repeat offenses. Victims of credit card fraud or identity theft in Virginia are encouraged to report the crime to their local law enforcement and to contact an attorney for guidance on how to mitigate the financial impact and navigate the legal process to clear their name.