Illinois Altered Or Counterfeited Card

The Law – 720 ILCS 5/17-41

It is unlawful for a person to, with the intent to defraud either an issuer or a person providing an item of value or any person at all:

1. Alter a credit or debit card; or
2. Possess a credit or debit card while knowing that it has been altered; or
3. Counterfeit a credit or debit card; or
4. Possess a credit or debit card while knowing that it has been counterfeited.

Credit and debit card fraud has been growing in the State of Illinois. In response, the General Assembly has enacted many tough laws aimed at punishing those who commit credit and debit card related theft and fraud. One of these laws punishes those who alter or counterfeit cards, along with those who possess the altered and counterfeited cards. One variation of credit or debit card counterfeiting or alteration is by “re-encoding” the magnetic strip of a “fictitious” credit or debit card with an actual, active credit or debit card number for an individual with an account in good standing.

The Sentence

If 1) or 2) above:

• Class 4 Felony
• 1 to 3 years in state prison
• Fine up to $25,000

If 3) or 4) above:

• Class 3 Felony
• 2 to 5 years in state prison
• Fine of up to $25,000

Probation Possible? Yes.

Supervision Possible? No.