Missouri Fraud

Fraud in the State of Missouri is a serious offense and has severe penalties associated with the charges. There are also many different types of fraud in Missouri: Fraudulent Use of a Credit/Debit Card A person commits the crime of fraudulent use of a credit device or debit device if the person uses a credit device or debit device for the purpose of obtaining services or property, knowing that: (1) The device is stolen, fictitious or forged; or (2) The device has been revoked or canceled; or (3) For any other reason his use of the device is unauthorized; or (4) Uses a credit device or debit device for the purpose of paying property taxes and knowingly cancels said charges or payment without just cause. It shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section if a person cancels said charges or payment after obtaining a property tax receipt to obtain license tags from the Missouri department of revenue. Generally, fraudulent use of a credit device or debit device is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. If the fraud was for property or services over the value of $500, it is a Class D Felony, punishable up to 7 years in prison. ​ Fraudulently Stopping Payment on an Instrument (Check) A person commits the crime of "fraudulently stopping payment of an instrument" if he, knowingly, with the purpose to defraud, stops payment on a check or draft given in payment for the receipt of goods or services. Generally fraudulently stopping payment of a check is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable up to 1 years in jail and fines up to $2,000. If however the check was written for an amount of $500 or more, it is a Class D Felony punishable up to 7 years in prison. ​ Contact Howard Haake at (314) 325-9868 or (636) 332-5555 for a free consultation regarding your fraud charge and learn what rights and remedies are best for your situation.