Georgia § 16-9-31 - Financial transaction card theft.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-9-31 — Financial transaction card theft., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-9-31. Financial transaction card theft.
A person commits the offense of financial transaction card theft when: He takes, obtains, or withholds a financial transaction card from the person, possession, custody, or control of another without the cardholder's consent; or who, with knowledge that it has been so taken, obtained, or withheld, receives the financial transaction card with intent to use it or to sell it or to transfer it to a person other than the issuer or the cardholder; He receives a financial transaction card that he knows to have been lost, mislaid, or delivered under a mistake as to the identity or address of the cardholder and he retains possession with intent to use it or sell it or to transfer it to a person other than the issuer or the cardholder; He, not being the issuer, sells a financial transaction card or buys a financial transaction card from a person other than the issuer; or He, not being the issuer, during any 12 month period receives two or more financial transaction cards in the names of persons which he has reason to know were taken or retained under circumstances which constitute a violation of paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Code Section 16-9-33 and paragraph (3) of this subsection. Taking, obtaining, or withholding a financial transaction card without consent of the cardholder or issuer is included in conduct defined in Code Section 16-8-2 as the offense of theft by taking. Conviction of the offense of financial transaction card theft is punishable as provided in subsection (b) of Code Section 16-9-38. When a person has in his possession or under his control two or more financial transaction cards issued in the names of persons other than members of his immediate family or without the consent of the cardholder, such possession shall be prima-facie evidence that the financial transaction cards have been obtained in violation of subsection (a) of this Code section. (Code 1933, § 26-1705.2, enacted by Ga. L. 1969, p. 128, § 1; Code 1933, § 26-1705.1, enacted by Ga. L. 1980, p. 1083, § 1; Ga. L. 1992, p. 6, § 16.) Law reviews. - For annual survey of criminal law, see 56 Mercer L. Rev. 153 (2004).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 16-9-31
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-9-31 cover?
Section 16-9-31 ("Financial transaction card theft.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 16-9-31?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-9-31" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 16-9-31 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.