What is a Fraud Crime?

Criminal fraud can be committed in many different ways including through the Internet or computers, over the phone, and by mail. Generally, fraud crimes are an intentional deception by an individual or company to trick another person or company for monetary gain or to damage them. With the increased reliance and complexity of data available and passed over the Internet, including credit card and banking information, Internet fraud especially has seen a very rapid growth in the last ten years. There are many types of criminal fraud including:

• Bait and switch
• Bankruptcy
• Charlatanism or Confidence Tricks (Scams)
• Check Fraud
• Counterfeiting
• Embezzlement
• False Advertising
• Forgery
• Health fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Identity theft
• Investment fraud
• Marriage fraud
• and Tax Fraud

Penalties for these crimes range from minor to extremely serious depending upon the severity, including a small fine or probation, to maximum life sentences in prison. In more than one historical case, criminals have been given impossibly high fines and multiple decade-long prison sentences. If convicted or even suspected of fraud a person's professional reputation alone can be greatly damaged too.

Many fraud crimes are the result of scams started by key financial or management people within companies who then use other people as both scapegoats and assistants to their crimes. Some people are unwittingly dragged into this fraudulent activity, only to be prosecuted upon discovery of the fraud as willing participants in criminal activity. All defendants involved in fraud, especially corporate or accounting fraud, need their cases to be given a thorough examination by professionals and experts who are dedicated to defending the rights of the accused.

Fraud Lawyer in Santa Ana

If you or a loved one has been accused of a fraud crime, you need representation from a skilled Santa Ana fraud defense lawyer that is dedicated to your case and has the experience to back up that dedication. We at the Law Offices of Aguilar and Sonnonstine, APC can give you the advice and help you need to protect your rights, and give you the best chance at success.

Contact a Santa Ana Fraud Defense Lawyer here today if you have been charged with any type of fraud at either the state or federal level.