Understanding Different Types of Federal Fraud Offenses

Fraud can take many different forms, and there are various federal statutes under which fraud can be charged. Some statutes are broader umbrella statutes that can be charged in a wide range of fraud-related cases, while others are much more specific.

Whether you have reason to suspect that you are currently under investigation by a federal agency for a fraud-related offense, or you have already been arrested for and charged with a federal fraud offense, it is essential to seek legal help. Federal criminal fraud investigations can take quite a long time, and by working with an attorney as quickly as possible, you can begin working on defense strategies even during an investigation (and before any arrest or charges occur). In the meantime, we can tell you more about different types of fraud offenses that can lead to serious felony charges under federal law.

General Federal Fraud Statutes 

Some federal fraud statutes are quite broad and can be used by the government to bring charges in a wide range of fraud-related offenses. Those general fraud statutes include the following:

• Wire fraud, which involves the use of any type of electronic communications to engage in fraud or to attempt to engage in fraud; and
• Mail fraud, which involves the use of the United States Postal Service and other private carriers such as FedEx or UPS, for example, to engage in fraud or to attempt to engage in fraud.

The way in which these statutes can be applied can be much broader than people expect. The wire fraud statute can apply to cases in which a person sent a single email in the course of a scheme to defraud, or ordered a product over the internet used in a scheme to defraud. Similarly, even the most seemingly minor use of a mail service to attempt an act to defraud can result in mail fraud charges.

Specific Federal Fraud Statutes 

In addition to more overarching fraud statutes, there are also a wide range of federal fraud statutes that can be used to prosecute more specific types of offenses, such as statutes concerning:

• Securities fraud;
• Bank fraud;
• Health care fraud; and
• Bankruptcy fraud.

Contact a Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer for Helping Defending Against Federal Fraud Charges

Whether you are facing broad fraud-related charges under the wire fraud or mail fraud act, or you are facing more specific federal fraud charges for securities fraud, healthcare fraud, bank fraud, or another offense, it is important to begin working with a defense lawyer who has specific experience handling federal fraud charges. In the event of a conviction, you will likely be facing a sentence that includes many years, if not decades, in prison — federal fraud convictions are extremely serious, and penalties are often akin to those of a serious violent crime. To be clear, federal prosecutors take fraud and other white-collar offenses very seriously, and sentencing typically reflects the seriousness of the charges upon conviction. An experienced Tampa federal criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Daniel J. Fernandez, P.A. can speak with you today to discuss the specific federal fraud charges you are facing and your options for building a strong defense. Contact our firm today for assistance.

Source:

law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1341#:~:text=18%20U.S.%20Code%20%C2%A7%201341%20covers%20frauds,or%20receives%20any%20such%20matter%20or%20thing