Fraud and Financial Crimes

Fraud: Laws and Penalties

Fraud involves using a lie, deception, falsehood, or dishonesty in an attempt to gain a benefit. The states and the federal governments have identified many types of fraud as criminal.

Laws on Federal Fraud

Federal law defines fraud as any intentional deception or misrepresentation used to benefit yourself or someone else.

Wire Fraud: Laws and Penalties

The catch-all federal crime of wire fraud carries stiff penalties and applies to a broad range of fraud schemes involving interstate communications.

What Are Voter Fraud and Election Fraud?

Both voter and election fraud can carry serious penalties, including prison time and hefty fines. Additionally, voter and election fraud put the integrity of the election process at stake.

Securities Fraud: Sentencing and Penalties

Securities fraud is a crime that typically involves complicated facts and extensive government investigations, and one that can lead to lengthy jail sentences and stiff fines if you are convicted.

Federal Mail Fraud Laws

The mail fraud statute, sometimes called the federal prosecutor's best friend, covers a range of fraudulent schemes committed using the mail systems. Learn how the law defines and penalizes acts of mail fraud—a felony under federal law.

Money Laundering

Contrary to the common idiom, crime often pays. It can pay so much that people with illegally acquired funds may develop complicated plans to make the money appear to have originated from a legal source—known as money laundering.

Immigration Marriage Fraud Laws and Penalties

Couples who enter into sham marriages, for money or other benefits, in order to obtain a U.S. green card for the immigrant face serious penalties, both criminal and civil.

How to Detect a Grifter

Grifters, scammers, con artists, and swindlers are thieves and fraudsters who use a common playbook. Learn to spot grifting tactics and protect yourself.

Federal RICO Laws

To make it easier to prosecute organized crime, Congress passed the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations law (RICO).

Insider Trading Laws and Penalties

Learn what insider trading is, why it's illegal, and what the penalties are.

Laws on State Sales Tax Crimes

Both retailers and consumers are responsible for state sales taxes. Intentional acts to avoid paying these sums to the state can result in civil and criminal penalties.

The Crime of Identity Theft

Learn how states define and penalize identity theft crimes and gain insight into other common questions, such as: Will someone go to jail for an identity theft conviction? When is identity theft a felony?

Welfare Fraud

Welfare fraud carries serious penalties, including incarceration, repayment of funds, and suspension of benefits.

Welfare Eligibility and Home Visits

Strict eligibility requirements apply to public welfare programs. To determine eligibility or continued eligibility for assistance, a local social services agency might schedule a home visit.

Bankruptcy Fraud Laws and Penalties

Misusing or abusing the bankruptcy process can land you with criminal or civil penalties for bankruptcy fraud, such as prison time and steep fines.

Federal Loan Fraud: Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

For fraudulent acts relating to SBA and SBA-backed loan applications, prosecutors can file charges for crimes against federal agencies, bank fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud, among other federal crimes.

What Is Mortgage Fraud?

Mortgage fraud is often a complicated crime that can involve mortgage lenders, borrowers, and industry players. A wide range of activities can constitute mortgage fraud at both the state and federal levels.

Unemployment Insurance Fraud

Misrepresenting your employment status and claiming that you're looking for work when you aren't are examples of unemployment insurance fraud, which can result in criminal prosecutions.

Health Care Fraud

Health care fraud comes in many forms and carries stiff penalties under both federal and state laws.