Everyone knows that fraud is a crime, but few people know the complexities involved with fraud cases and how many types of fraud there are. In fact, one crime could result in multiple fraud charges since each type of fraud charge involves a different specific aspect of the law. For example, if you ace accused of operating a Ponzi scheme, you could be charged with securities fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering and more. That is why anyone accused of fraud of any kind needs to contact a criminal lawyer as soon as possible. In the meanwhile, here is a list of a few of the more common forms of fraud in San Diego County:
- Identity Theft: When someone pretends to be another person in order to get access to their personal information, property or money.
- Credit Card Fraud: Any form of fraud that involves using credit cards to purchase items or steal money. Sometimes this crime involves making false credit cards, other times it involves stealing and using other people’s credit card numbers.
- Insurance Fraud: This form of fraud can be committed by a person trying to get free or reduced healthcare, a person trying to get insurance money for a falsified claim, or a doctor or other professional billing an insurance company for services that were not performed. Many arson cases also involve insurance fraud charges, so if you believe you may be accused of either crime, it is important to contact a defense lawyer as soon as you suspect you may be under investigation for these crimes.
- Prescription Fraud: When a doctor writes an unnecessary prescription for a patient (often for cash) or when a person falsifies a prescription. In many cases involving prescription fraud performed by an individual seeking access to drugs, an attorney can negotiate a plea bargain that will result in the defendant going through a drug diversion program rather than being sentenced to incarceration.
- Securities Fraud: When someone attempts to get someone to make a purchase or sale decision based on false information. These cases are exceptionally complex and should only be handled with the help of a San Diego securities fraud defense attorney with experience in this area.
- Mail Fraud: Any type of fraud that involves the use of the mail.
- Wire Fraud: While less obvious than many of the other forms of fraud, this is one of the most common fraud charges simply because it covers any fraudulent activity that involves wire, radio or television communications, including telephones and the internet.
While not actual forms of fraud, the following charges are also often brought up against those who have been accused of fraudulent activities:
- Money Laundering: These charges are often brought up against those who have been accused of fraud as most people who commit these crimes attempt to hide the money and property they gained illegally in order to avoid arousing suspicion from the IRS or local authorities
- Conspiracy: When a person works with at least one other individual to commit fraud, everyone involved can be charged with conspiracy. Each fraud charge can carry a separate conspiracy charge, which can double the amount of charges one person is facing.
If you suspect someone might be investigating you for any type of fraud, contact a criminal attorney as soon as possible in order to protect your rights. Call (760) 643-4050 or (858) 486-3024 to schedule a free consultation with Peter M. Liss to discuss your situation.
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