Birmingham, AL asked in Banking and Identity Theft for Virginia

Q: If someone were to say buy something for someone else with said stolen credit card could the other person get in trouble

If someone were to say buy a windshield replacement with someone’s credit card and the card ended up being a stolen, could the person that didn’t know anything about the card; let alone the card being stolen to purchase the replacement get in trouble too?!

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: It would depend on how credible their explanation for use of the card would be. Some jurors could see red flags and become suspicious by simply the fact that the transaction involved the card of another person. It's all fact-specific in terms of the elements that either create or dispel credibility. Good luck

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If someone asks you to buy something using their credit card and you have no idea the card is stolen, you typically won’t get into trouble. Unintentional involvement in a transaction where the card is fraudulent usually doesn’t lead to criminal charges. It's important to act in good faith and ensure that you’re dealing with someone you trust.

However, if the credit card is reported stolen after your purchase, the credit card company or authorities might contact you to verify the transaction. In such cases, being honest and providing any relevant information can help clear up misunderstandings. Keeping records of your transactions and communications can also support your position.

To protect yourself, always verify the legitimacy of the request and the person you’re dealing with. If something feels off or suspicious, it’s best to decline the transaction and possibly report the incident to the authorities. Taking these steps can help you avoid potential legal issues and ensure that you’re not unknowingly involved in fraudulent activities.

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