There are unlimited types of crimes that are categorized as fraud according to our nation’s judicial system. From embezzlement to tax evasion, the list of possibilities, especially when combined, can truly be infinite. However, there seems to be a top 20 list of the most common fraudulent crimes committed all across the globe. Continue reading to learn which crimes top the list, what they entail, and what you can do if you are facing one.
Common Fraud Crimes:
BANK FRAUD – Common crimes include, tampering with checks, check fraud, altering checks, debit card fraud, account identity theft, stolen check fraud, gift card fraud, opening multiple accounts in an attempt to defraud, making insufficient deposits to cover debits, using a false identity to open accounts, counterfeiting checks, knowingly writing bad checks, and general loan fraud.
BANKRUPTCY FRAUD – Common crimes include providing false information on documents, hiding assets from liquidation, attorney filing incorrect paperwork on behalf of client, intentional discrepancies on bankruptcy petition, transferring real estate, money, or assets to family members, filing multiple cases in separate states, using stolen social security numbers, filing a false claim, destroying or concealing financial records, giving or accepting a bribe, and foreclosure scams.
CREDIT CARD FRAUD – This may include offenses such as applying for charge cards under stolen identities, obtaining property by using stolen or fraudulent credit card, knowingly using a stolen credit card, knowingly using a forged or fraudulent charge card, knowingly using an expired or revoked credit card, using someone’s charge card without their permission, making false statements about the ownership of a credit charge, tampering or altering a credit card, credit card counterfeiting, receiving anything as a result of credit card fraud, accepting gifts knowing they were obtained with a fraudulent credit card, using a lost charge card, opening a credit card under someone else’s name, opening a credit card under a false identity, and stealing or using charge card data for online purchases.
PRESCRIPTION FRAUD – This may include forging a prescription, tampering with a prescription, illegal prescribing of prescription drugs, illegal procurement of prescription drugs, stealing a prescription pad, forging a prescription pad, imitating medical personnel, stealing identities to obtain prescription drugs, selling prescription drugs, and giving a non-prescribed person or minor prescription drugs.
WELFARE FRAUD – Welfare is a state-organized public relief system that provides paid benefits for those in need of attaining economic self-sufficiency. An individual’s eligibility for government financial aid is based upon several factors, including age, disability, marital status, employment, income, and more. But anyone who tries to deceive the government about their need or entitlement to welfare is an act of welfare fraud. Welfare fraud is generally investigated and prosecuted as theft, and punishable as a Felony in most states.
Additional Types Include:
- Mortgage Fraud
- Investment Fraud
- Check Fraud
- Accounting Fraud
- Mail Fraud
- Organized Fraud
- Securities Fraud
- Government Fraud
- Healthcare Fraud
- Tax Fraud
- Identity Fraud
- Wire Fraud
- Insurance Fraud
- Internet Fraud
- Workers Comp Fraud
What You Can Do as a Defendant
Fraud crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony offense, depending on the specific circumstances of a person’s case, as well as the state they are being charged in. If you were recently arrested on facing fraud charges, you are facing hefty fines, imprisonment, and other severe penalties.
The best stride you can make toward securing your rights and protecting your freedoms is calling a licensed fraud lawyer for tough and aggressive criminal defense; otherwise, you risk being sentenced to the maximum penalties in your state.
