WIRE FRAUD
North Carolina Wire Fraud Defense Lawyers
Wire fraud is a serious federal offense that can carry significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. If you or someone you know has been accused of wire fraud, it is critical to seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our law provides aggressive and effective defense to clients facing wire fraud charges.
What is Wire Fraud?
Wire fraud occurs when an individual or organization uses electronic communications, such as phone calls, emails, or text messages, to defraud others out of money or property. Wire fraud is a federal crime that is often charged in connection with other offenses, such as securities fraud, healthcare fraud, or public corruption.
EXAMPLES OF WIRE FRAUD
Wire fraud can take an unlimited number of different forms, and the government has alleged a number of sophisticated schemes such as:
- Investment scams. This is when the government accuses an individual or organization of using use false or misleading information to convince others to invest money in a fraudulent scheme. The defendant may be accused of using electronic communications, such as phone calls or emails, to solicit investments and transfer funds.
- Ponzi schemes. An individual or organization may be accused of promising high returns on investments, while using funds from new investors to pay returns to earlier investors. The federal wire fraud statute may be implicated where the target is accused of using electronic communications or other means to solicit investments and transfer funds.
- Healthcare fraud. Healthcare providers are often accused of submitting false or misleading claims for reimbursement to Medicare or other insurance providers. The provider may use electronic communications to submit claims and receive payments. If so, and without a solid defense, the government might be able to successfully allege and prove wire fraud.
What are the Penalties for Wire Fraud in the Federal System?
Wire fraud is a serious offense that can result in severe criminal penalties. If convicted, an individual may face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 or more, depending on the circumstances of the case. In addition, a conviction for wire fraud may result in the forfeiture of any property or assets obtained through the fraudulent scheme.