Fraud
Fraud is broadly defined as any offense which involves dishonesty, or other fraudulent act.
A charge may include such acts as bankruptcy fraud, tax fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud, mail fraud, credit card/debit card fraud, securities fraud, telemarketing fraud, and wire fraud.
Pennsylvania has very specific laws when governing fraudulent acts. Someone can be convicted of credit card fraud if they knowingly use the card which is counterfeit, revoked, cancelled, or used without proper authorization. Pennsylvania does not require actual use of the credit card for an individual to be accused of credit card fraud. Just by the mere possession of the credit card in question could lead to charges.
Penalties in Pennsylvania for credit card fraud can include fines and incarceration, depending on the dollar value of the fraud committed.
Defenses against charges of credit card fraud can include lack of knowledge, lack of intent and underage.