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Nope folks i am not looking for review on how to commit it. I am actually looking for review on Credit Card Fraud from magicbox.

Here's one for you!

Credit Card Fraud - Brad Manuel

Price:
£9.99 - available from: http://www.magicbox.uk.com/shop.php/shop/magic-tricks/close-up-magic/credit-card-fraud/p_466.html - magicbox
$14.01 - available from: http://www.magicproshop.com/-p-689.html - magicproshop

Difficulty:
The description from magicbox gives it a 1 - claiming it as self working. While this is essentially the truth - it's somewhat misleading (I think). Yes - the actual mechanics of the effect are incredibly easy - but you won't be able to perform this directly out of the box. Some practice is required to get in and out of the effect. It's not at all difficult - but some misdirection skill is necessary - and some sleight of hand skill can only help you (though it's not needed to perform).

Myself - I'd give it a 2 for difficulty.

Effect:

Performer borrows a credit card and begins talking about credit card security - including new ways that people can steal your precious information from your credit card. After showing it around, he explains that the most important aspect of the card is the magnetic stripe, which holds all of your credit information. Right before the spectators' eyes - the performer begins to peel the magnetic strip right off of the card!!! Just as quickly as he peels the stripe off, he pushes it back down and hands the card back to the owner for immediate inspection.

Opinion:

This effect is VERY powerful. It might not seem like much, but the very nature of the effect all but ensures massive reactions. You're using borrowed objects - and beyond something mundane - this is something that is used literally every day. People hold and use these all the time. For you to take one in hand and immediately peel the strip off is just incredible. I've had this effect for a little over a year, and I have used it every single time I perform magic.

One thing to note is that while the gimmick is called universal, that's not entirely true. The effect can't be done with ANY credit card - but the limitations are so few and far between (and if someone presents a card you can't use - you can easily get them to present a different card using a little humor). The instructions deal with a discrepancy issue that I had while practicing - but just like Mr Manuel explains in the booklet, no one has picked up on it.

As stated before, some misdirection ability can help you get in and out - but the effect itself has built-in misdirection. When you hand the card back, everyone nearby is grabbing for it. For a few moments - it's like you're not even there. By the time you get their attention back, you're spotless!

Instructions:

You get a bare-bones instruction sheet (1 page - 2 sided). It's minimal - but to be fair, there isn't much to explain. The instructions could perhaps offer additional handling tips, but the way it's explained is clear and easy to follow. Knowledge of sleight of hand skills is a plus for you, but it's not necessary. My opinion is that you want this to look as normal as possible - so flourishy handling may cause more suspicion than you want. Keeping it simple is definitely the concept they're trying to express.

Overall:
I would easily give this a 10 out of 10. Simple and effective design - brilliant concept using one of the most recognizable objects you can get your hands on, easy to perform and (most important) really strong. What more can you ask for? Perfect as an opener to a credit card routine, strong enough as a standalone/closing effect. You can slip this marvel anywhere into your act. The price is perfect - the magic is powerful. The only way it could possibly be better, would be if it was free.

Hope this helps your decision. I can't recommend this enough. If you have more specific questions, hit me with a pm.

I just finished ordering sponge balls and cups and balls from magic box for the first time, to see the title of this thread not a minute later nearly gave me a heart attack, untill I read it and discovered credit card fraud is the name of a trick as well.