Fraud

The broad legal definition of fraud is the intentional deception of another for personal gain. A person who defrauds another deprives the victim of his or her money or property for personal gain or use. This may be done by suppressing the truth, lying outright, making false promises, implying untruths or any other action carried out with the intention of defrauding.

Fraud is most often considered to be a white collar crime because of its ties to finances and the business community. It is also a form of theft, but is a non-violent theft crime involving theft by deception rather than through force or violence.

For more information on fraud crimes, please review the topics we have listed below:

Bank Fraud
Defrauding or attempting to defraud a federally insured bank is considered bank fraud. This is one of the most serious types of fraud a person may be accused of committing. Penalties may include up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1 million. Click here to read more about bank fraud...

Bankruptcy Fraud
Misrepresenting financial information on one's bankruptcy petition, hiding assets or otherwise attempting to take advantage of the protection bankruptcy has to offer may be considered bankruptcy fraud. A defendant may face imprisonment and/or fines. Click here to read more about bankruptcy fraud...

Credit Card Fraud
This offense involves theft and/or fraud involving credit cards or credit card information. It may also be related to identity theft. Click here to read more about credit card fraud...

Employment Fraud
Allegations of fraud in the employment sector can have serious consequences for an employer, leading to heavy fines and imprisonment. This may involve scamming or defrauding people seeking employment. Click here to read more about employment fraud...

Government Fraud
There are many different types of government fraud. This offense may include almost any type of act meant to defraud the government of funds or other valuables. Click here to read more about government fraud...

Insurance Fraud
Sometimes associated with arson or intentional property destruction, insurance fraud involves any attempt or act of fraudulently obtaining insurance benefits. Click here to read more about insurance fraud...

Internet Fraud
Using the internet to commit any type of fraud may be considered the criminal act of internet fraud. This may include internet auction fraud, non-delivery of merchandise, credit card fraud, work at home schemes and more. Click here to read more about internet fraud...

Investment Fraud
Investment fraud, also referred to as stock fraud or securities fraud, is a practice that involves committing fraud in the stock and commodity markets. It may include defrauding investors of their money, insider trading and misrepresenting financial information. Click here to read more about investment fraud...

Loan Fraud
An individual, company or financial institution may be the victim of loan fraud, though borrowers are typically the most common targets. Any type of fraud or misrepresentation in the lending field may constitute this criminal act. Click here to read more about loan fraud...

Mail Fraud
Mail fraud is a federal crime that involves using the postal system at any point in the commission or attempt to commit fraud. This federal statute can be used to escalate what would have been only a violation of state law, as the result of the use of the postal service in the scheme. Click here to read more about mail fraud...

Mortgage Fraud
The basic definition of mortgage fraud is the misrepresentation or omission of information on a mortgage loan application, or any type of attempt or act to defraud a borrower or financial institution in relation to a mortgage loan. Click here to read more about mortgage fraud...

Welfare Fraud
Intentionally withholding information or providing false information in order to defraud or misuse state welfare systems may be considered welfare fraud. Claiming too many dependants, misrepresenting information about one's health and failing to report income are the most common types of this offense. Click here to read more about welfare fraud...

Wire Fraud
A person who is accused of committing or attempting to commit any type of fraud, involving any type of electronic communication (television, radio, internet, etc.), may face federal charges for wire fraud. Click here to read more about wire fraud...

Learn more about fraud and your legal rights. Click here to find a criminal defense attorney near you.