Investigation Links Multi-State Card Skimming Activities to Diesel Theft Scheme

April 15, 2025

A card-skimming ring scheme linked to diesel theft in five states, including Pennsylvania, has been busted in Gloucester Township, New Jersey. The investigation led to the arrest of 25 people and revealed four companies linked to the racketeering activities.

The theft ring engaged in installing illegal card skimming machines that stored credit card details at gas stations. They then cloned the credit cards, used them to purchase diesel, and resold the diesel, leading to over $3 million in proceeds.

In Pennsylvania, credit card fraud related to racketeering can lead to severe penalties and possible incarceration. If you have been charged with credit card fraud-related racketeering or other white-collar crimes, you need the Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm to fight for you and protect your rights.

Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out this online contact form to discuss your case.

Pennsylvania’s Laws on Credit Card Fraud and Racketeering

Pennsylvania’s credit card fraud and racketeering laws are guided by Section 4106 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and the Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Specifically referred to as Access Device Fraud, it specifically outlines its definition of the offense, including:

  • Knowingly using a counterfeit access device to access another’s property or services without their consent or knowledge.
  • Knowingly using the illegally obtained access device to carry out trade activities or transferring the device to another.
  • Possession of a device that they were not authorized to carry or use by the issuer or the owner.

In this case, an access device would be a credit or debit card, ATM pins, account details, and bank routing numbers, among others. So, stealing or illegally obtaining credit card details and intentionally using the card for unauthorized purchases would be a breach of that law and falls under the broader category of white-collar crimes.

If you combine credit card fraud or other access device fraud with criminal racketeering charges –which means a violation of at least 2 of 35 offenses listed in the RICO Act– you may potentially have a RICO violation. If that happens, then you’ll really have big problems, as RICO charges are often classified as federal crimes — because they were organized crimes committed across state lines.

Penalties for Racketeering in Pennsylvania

For the case in question, the 25 people involved were charged with first-degree racketeering. Because racketeering is a first-degree felony crime in Pennsylvania, defendants will likely face the following penalties:

  • Fines of up to $25,000 per count
  • Up to 20 years of incarceration for each charge
  • Possibility of a life sentence depending on whether there were associated violent crimes
  • Forfeiture of all proceeds acquired through the racketeering scheme

Seek Legal Help Immediately

A racketeering charge can have severe life-altering consequences. This is why you should seek the experienced Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm if you have been charged with racketeering and/or credit card fraud. Our attorneys will provide adequate legal representation, fight for your interests, and protect your rights.

Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out this online contact form to speak to an attorney today.

Categories