Accused of Gift Card Fraud in Fort Myers: What Are My Options?

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a growing number of scams today involve gift cards. Unlike cash, gift cards offer numerous benefits to alleged fraudsters in Florida. Perhaps most notably, they are incredibly difficult to trace – allowing scammers to get away with their crimes without leaving a financial trail. But what happens if you were wrongfully accused of gift card fraud in Fort Myers? What are your legal options?

Police Search for Two Suspects Accused of Gift Card Fraud in Fort Myers

 In October of 2024, authorities in Fort Myers and Cape Coral announced that they were searching for two individuals accused of gift card fraud. Their alleged crime was relatively straightforward, and police say they stole someone’s purse – finding a Visa card inside. Next, they quickly used the Visa card to purchase gift cards worth thousands of dollars. They reportedly spread out these purchases across numerous stores in Fort Myers to avoid suspicion.

Police have released two photographs of the alleged fraudsters, and they also claim to know which model car they were driving. Aside from these basic facts, authorities seem to have few additional leads. They are urging anyone to come forward with information.

How Do I Fight Gift Card Fraud Charges? 

The first step in fighting fraud charges is to become aware of the consequences. If your gift card fraud targeted alleged victims in other states, you could face federal charges. Examples might include identity theft, computer fraud, bank fraud, and others. Depending on the circumstances, you could face decades in prison.

Of course, this all depends on the nature of your offense. If you fraudulently acquired a few gift cards worth $200, you can expect much less severe penalties compared to a widespread scam with thousands of dollars in losses. In the aforementioned case, the alleged criminals stole a purse within Florida and acquired the gift cards at local stores. In other words, the offenses occurred within a single state – making federal charges highly unlikely.

Note that with many alleged gift card frauds, it may be extremely difficult to trace the funds and gather the necessary evidence for a conviction. Remember, the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Cases of mistaken identity are certainly possible, and an experienced defense lawyer can cast doubt upon allegations made against you.

Can a Fort Myers Defense Attorney Help With Gift Card Fraud 

If you are facing allegations of gift card fraud in Fort Myers, it’s best to get started with a defense strategy as soon as possible. Ideally, you should work with a lawyer who has direct experience with fraud charges. If your crimes crossed state borders, you may also need help from a lawyer with federal crime experience. To achieve both of these goals, schedule a consultation with a Fort Myers criminal defense lawyer at The Foley & Wilson Law firm today. We have helped numerous defendants fight state and federal fraud charges – and we can do the same for you.

Sources: 

winknews.com/2024/10/15/ccpd-fmpd-searching-pair-suspected-gift-card-fraud/

consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams#:~:text=Gift%20card%20scams%20start%20with,Scammers%20will%20say%20it’s%20urgent.