Forged bank card in Georgia — Article 210
Article 210 punishes making or acquiring a forged credit or payment card, another payment document or a document proving a property right (other than a security) in order to sell or use it, as well as selling or using it.
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Possible penalties
| When | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Basic offence | A fine, corrective work up to 2 years, house arrest from 6 months to 2 years, or 2 to 4 years in prison |
| As a group or repeatedly | A fine or 4 to 7 years in prison |
Penalties follow the current text of the Criminal Code of Georgia. In a specific case the outcome depends on the circumstances, compensation of damage, a plea agreement and other factors.
What matters for the defence
- Whether you knew the card was forged — without knowledge there is no crime
- Whether there was an intention to use or sell it when acquired
- Bank records, ATM and shop video
- A group charge — who actually did what
If you are accused or arrested
- Use your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer — from the first contact with the investigating authority
- Don't sign any document you don't understand
- You must be charged within 48 hours of arrest, and within the next 24 hours a court decides on a preventive measure
- Decide on compensating the damage or settling with the victim together with your lawyer
If you are a victim
- Call 112 or go to the police or the prosecutor's office
- Keep the evidence: photos, video, messages, receipts, witnesses' contacts
- Ask for victim status — it gives you rights in the case, for example to be informed about its progress
- You can claim compensation for the damage — a lawyer will help
Questions & answers
What is the penalty for using a forged card?
From a fine up to 4 years in prison; as a group or repeatedly — up to 7 years.
Is paying with someone else's real card Article 210?
No. Article 210 is about forged cards. Taking money with someone else's real card or its details is usually treated as theft or under Article 286¹.
I bought a card but never used it — is that a crime?
It can be. The article punishes acquiring it in order to use or sell it, so the key issue is proving that intention.
Important: the information on this page is general and based on the law in force on the date it was published.
Laws change and every case is different, so this information doesn't replace advice from a lawyer. Before you act on it, contact us. MMLAW is not responsible for decisions made solely on the basis of this information.
Related practice area: Economic crimes
Crimes and penalties
Unauthorised access to a computer system
Article 284Unlawfully getting into someone else's account, email, phone or computer. From a fine to 6 years.Computer crime for financial gain
Article 286¹Phishing, taking money with someone else's card or online banking, interfering with systems for money. Up to 11 years.Violation of private life
Article 157, 157¹Unlawfully obtaining and spreading private information, photos or personal data. Up to 10 years.Need legal advice? Talk to an attorney today.
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