410-576-9100
Credit Card Fraud
BALTIMORE CREDIT CARD FRAUD DEFENSE
Credit card fraud is rampant in the United States and continues to increase every year. It is important to know that perpetrators of credit card fraud are not just identity thieves. Unsuspecting consumers who use credit cards are also subjected to fraudulent and deceptive practices of credit card companies.
Credit card fraud often results in devastating consequences that significantly affect a consumer’s finances as well as credit ratings. It is important to immediately report all cases of credit card fraud in order to make creditors liable for their wrongdoing as well as deter future fraudulent practices.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of credit card fraud, in Baltimore, perpetrated by a credit company, you may be eligible to file a consumer fraud lawsuit to seek compensation for your losses. Please contact the Law Offices of David B. Shapiro today to speak to a qualified consumer fraud attorney who is committed to protecting your legal rights and interests. (410) 576-9100.
Credit card fraud tactics
Credit card companies use many tactics to defraud consumers out of large amounts of money. Some credit card fraud practices may include, but are not limited to:
- Hidden fees for cash advances, balance transfers, and other cash transactions that are often missed in the fine print. According to consumer reports, Americans pay an annual $31 million in credit card fees.
- Masked APRs. Many credit card companies claim to have low introductory APRs, but it may only be a short-term rate that hides the regular APR.
- Late fees. In many states, credit card companies aren’t allowed to charge late fees under state usury laws. To get around this, they set up headquarters in states where laws are more relaxed. If you’ve been charged a late fee in a state that does not allow them, you have the right to take legal action.
- Double charging. Sometimes, creditors will charge you twice for one item.
- Fail to properly credit past payments to account. By recording over-due payments, the companies can fraudulently collect additional charges.
- Charging for unknown items. Sometime creditors will bill consumers for items that were never purchased or received.
What are my legal rights?
Consumers are protected against credit card fraud under state and federal laws such as the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), which sets rules and regulations for proper billing practices, requires the immediate correction of billing errors, and protects consumer’s credit scores while they settle disputes with creditors.
If you or a loved one has been victimized by credit card fraud, you have the legal right to file a lawsuit against creditors who violate the regulations of the FCBA. You may be eligible to recover damages including twice the amount of finance charges (up to $1,000) in addition to court costs and attorney fees. Please contact the Law Offices of David B. Shapiro today to learn more about credit card fraud and your legal rights in Baltimore, Maryland AND nation-wide.
410-576-9100
dshapirolaw@aol.com