Will the person who stole my credit card get caught?

Asked by: Polly Kilback  |  Last update: February 28, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (65 votes)

Some estimates say less than 1% of credit card fraud is actually caught, while others say it could be higher but is impossible to know. The truth is that most credit card fraud does go undetected, which is a major reason why it's become a favorite among crime rings and fraudsters.

Do police really investigate credit card theft?

Police don't always investigate credit card fraud — however, filing a fraud and identity theft report with law enforcement can help you recover lost funds. Police don't always investigate credit card fraud — however, filing a fraud and identity theft report with law enforcement can help you recover lost funds.

Can credit card theft be traced?

Yes. Tracking who used a credit card is often possible, especially if the fraud involved physical transactions at identifiable locations or digital transactions with traceable IP addresses and device information.

Can you get caught if someone stole your credit card?

Once a card is reported stolen to the credit card company, they place an alert on any transactions taking place with that card. Once an alert comes in, the credit card company calls the local police and informs them of credit fraud taking place. If the cops get there on time, the person can be arrested.

Can the police track who used your credit card?

A savvy clerk might notice someone using a stolen credit card and call it in to the police. Or an investigator might be able to trace a criminal who uses a stolen credit card number online.

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Do credit card companies go after thieves?

Credit card companies and merchants put many measures in place to prevent credit card fraud, and they'll investigate fraud when it happens. Generally, you won't be responsible for any unauthorized charges if you report the card stolen or dispute unauthorized transactions right away.

Do banks actually investigate unauthorized transactions?

Banks use advanced tools and strict procedures to detect fraud, determine liability, and implement preventive measures, ensuring the security of client assets. The investigation process can vary in length based on the complexity of the case, from initial detection to final resolution.

Can you go to jail for disputing charges?

You cannot go to jail for filing credit card disputes. The Fair Credit Billing Act directly protects consumers from incorrect and fraudulent charges. But if you file fraudulent chargebacks, you risk lawsuits and criminal charges. A fraudulent chargeback is a false dispute made by a consumer to secure a refund.

Who pays when someone steals your credit card?

The bank that issues the credit card will cover most credit card fraud issues, but sometimes the bank rules that it is merchant credit card fraud, making the merchant responsible. Small business owners using outdated swipe payment terminals may have to make up for the difference.

Can you go to jail for using your parents credit card online?

Yes, it is indeed unlawful. Under federal and state law, fraudulently using someone else's credit card or making purchases with their account without permission could have serious legal consequences. In some cases, this type of fraud may even lead to extended jail time.

How is credit card theft proven?

Credit card theft is typically proven through evidence of unauthorized transactions, often identified by the cardholder or through the bank's fraud detection systems.

Do you get notified when someone uses your debit card?

Yes, you will receive card activity alerts for transaction activity performed with your debit card if the alert criteria are met.

How did someone use my credit card without having it?

Credit card fraud occurs when someone uses your credit card to make purchases without your permission by impersonating you. Someone can use your credit card without physical access by stealing your credit card number through credit card skimming, shoulder surfing, phishing and hacking.

How often are credit card thieves caught?

Unfortunately, less than 1% of credit card cases are solved by the police. Unless a family member stole your card information, it's fairly rare that credit card thieves are caught. One reason is that many fraudsters use anonymous services and advanced technology that make it difficult to track them down.

Can a credit card be tracked if stolen?

You can't track the physical location of a credit card or debit card. However, you can monitor your transaction history using an app through your online account. If you can't find your credit card, it's important to contact your credit card issuer promptly to report the missing card.

Can I call the cops on someone who used my card?

Under California law, you can report identity theft to your local police department. Ask the police to issue a police report of identity theft. Give the police as much information on the theft as possible. One way to do this is to provide copies of your credit reports showing the items related to identity theft.

Can you track someone who used your credit card online?

The answer to the question "Someone used my credit card—can I track them?" is yes, but only to an extent. The first step is reporting the incident to the bank and getting a credit card fraud report on file. Our guide will help you take adequate measures beyond reporting to limit your financial liability.

What happens when you file a police report for credit card theft?

What Happens When You File a Police Report for Identity Theft? After you make a report, it's possible your local law enforcement agency will investigate your case. They might pursue and prosecute the thief, bringing them to justice.

Is credit card theft a federal crime?

The vast majority of credit card fraud cases are prosecuted under state laws and courts, but they can also be charged as a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1029. Credit card fraud occurs in many ways and several federal statutes can be used by a prosecutor to indict someone who has violated federal laws.

Who loses money when you dispute a charge?

Loss of revenue: Chargebacks result in a direct loss of revenue for merchants, as they have to refund the disputed amount to the customer.

What is a good excuse to dispute a charge?

Claims and defenses are any valid reasons you have for not paying a certain credit card charge. They include billing errors, unauthorized charges, and claims that goods or services were misrepresented, defective, or not delivered. The credit card company can be held responsible under Federal law (15 USC 1666i).

Do you need proof to dispute a charge?

When disputing a credit card charge, you'll want to have your receipts, photos and any communication you've made with the merchant to resolve the issue at hand. This is to ensure that you made a good-faith effort to resolve the issue with the merchant before putting it into the hands of the credit card issuer.

How are credit card frauds caught?

Modern machine learning gives your bank or card issuer a significant fraud prevention platform to leverage in their fight against credit card fraudsters as well. Using device and behavior intelligence, it can detect malicious devices, map consistent device IDs, and even catch fraudulent activity happening in real time.

Do police investigate unauthorized transactions?

Police typically do not investigate a single stolen credit card. If there is concern about a larger ring of criminal behavior, law enforcement may be more likely to spend time investigating. In most cases, the credit institution and the FTC handle credit card fraud investigations.

Who pays when a credit card is used fraudulently?

The merchant is liable for the acceptance of any fraudulent order and the cardholder's issuing bank will collect the customer's refund from the merchant should a cardholder request a chargeback.