Will I go to jail for using a fake credit card number? 26 Answers as of October 28, 2011

Hello, Unfortunately, yes, it was illegal what you did, however, if you didn't use it to gain anything of a monetary value, then you're probably okay - unless someone discovers your transgression. Don't do it again of course.

You may have done something illegal, but from the facts of the case, I think you are ok. More than likely, the person requesting your information may be the "bad guy", hoping that by enticing you with a "free gift", you will provide the person with your confidential credit card information. Once obtained, this person will max out your card. Consider yourself lucky and remember, nothing is ever "free".

First, you should always consult an attorney in private when you think you may be a suspect in a crime, rather than posting online. Second, assuming someone else's identity is always a crime, as is using their financials to obtain something of value. However, under the facts you have presented, it appears that you may have been being scammed yourself as the company obtained "your" credit card information for no viable reason. Without more information, it is difficult to tell what, if any, danger there is. You really should call an attorney to ask privately about the events.

You could if that credit card is charged. The it was theft by you. But, it seems like the free prize was a bit of a sham itself. So just sit tight and say your prayers, hopefully nothing comes of it.

Speaking generally, under Michigan law, the act of providing a false credit card for payment may be charged as a felony or misdemeanor, and it's usually charged as a felony. In theory, if the business is legitimate and if there is an actual prize, it could arguably be felonious conduct to provide a false credit card as part of the transaction. However, few legitimate organizations with a prize to my knowledge require a credit-card number to collect a prize. With internet companies offering a free prize, there are always additional issues. The first issue is whether the company offering the prize is legitimate. It's a common internet scam that people will offer something "free" then require some form of potentially confidential information in order for the person to "claim" their prize. People have been victims of identity theft and lost significant amounts of money as a result of these scams. There is a lot of federal involvement with the internet. These types of scams are often investigated by the F.B.I. or other federal agencies. Further, many of these internet companies behind these prizes are located out of the country, hide behind anonymous i.p. addresses, are beyond the prosecution of U.S. authorities, and may be based in politically unstable countries, which further complicates the situation. I'd recommend you consult privately with an experienced attorney to assist you with this matter. I would not recommend contacting any law-enforcement until you privately consult with an attorney.

Of course you did something illegal - you know that. But if this is the first and only time you did this, and if the value (of the prize you were trying to win) is not large, it is unlikely that you will actually go to jail. If this is not your first attempt to use false credit card information you could be sentenced to jail time, but most likely the sentenced would be suspended. However, if you have many prior attempts to use false credit card information, you could do time, but it seems very unlikely from the way you put the question that you have done this before.

You probably did violate something. More likely you were one step away from giving out a real credit card number to a scam.

You shouldn't need to enter a credit card number to claim a "free" prize. I would need more details about the "contest" but it sounds like a typical scam site that rips off credit card numbers for the purpose of identity theft or of charging your credit card illegally and leaving you to dispute the charges. You should never enter your credit card number on a site you are unfamiliar withnor should you enter a fake number as that may be considered the crime of fraud.

You committed a fraud and if you accept the prize, likely a theft by swindle. My guess is if you don't accept the prize you likely wont face charges however.

Before worrying about going to jail, you would have to be charged with a crime. However, it is possible that using a fake financial transaction device could be viewed as a crime. The company involved would have to report the incident to start an investigation.

If you knowingly used a fake number you could be charged with fraud.

Yes, you committed fraud.

If you obtained something of value by use of false information, then that is theft. I'm not clear from your question whether you received anything of value or not.

Life is about making good decisions. Stealing, lying, cheating, or being violent will get you arrested and possibly a criminal record. You have not given me enough information to advise you as to whether you have committed a crime, but if you are arrested you should retain a good criminal attorney to get the best possible results. Don't risk your reputation and future career for the chance to steal a few dollars.