Credit card fraud penalties in Rhode Island scale with the amount obtained. Under $500 is typically a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail and fines. Over $500 becomes a felony with up to 10 years prison. Aggravating factors (multiple victims, organized scheme, use of stolen card data online) can push sentencing higher. Federal credit card fraud charges under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines are typically more severe and apply when interstate transactions or financial institution involvement is present. Mandatory restitution to the cardholder and the issuing bank is part of every conviction. Identity theft charges often accompany credit card fraud, adding additional penalties.
