{"id":352076,"date":"2023-11-23T08:26:40","date_gmt":"2023-11-23T13:26:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/fraud.html"},"modified":"2023-11-23T08:26:40","modified_gmt":"2023-11-23T13:26:40","slug":"fraud","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/fraud.html","title":{"rendered":"Fraud"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Everything You Need To Know About Fraud Crimes and Fraud Law<\/h1>\n
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\n By Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Fraud involves intentional deception to gain something of value, usually money. In criminal law, prosecutors must prove fraud beyond a reasonable doubt. This means the evidence is satisfactory, and the government proves facts and establishes guilt. This is a higher degree of certainty than a civil case. The penalties are harsher if found guilty.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Fraud can take many forms. One commits fraud<\/a> through false statements<\/a>, misrepresentation<\/a>, or dishonest conduct intended to mislead or deceive. This article looks at types of fraud crimes and the criminal and civil penalties for fraud.<\/p>\r\n

Fraud is often a complicated crime to defend against. If you are accused of any form of fraud, a criminal defense lawyer<\/a> can advise you. <\/p>\r\n

Types of Fraud<\/h2>\r\n

The term "fraud" covers a wide range of crimes. In most instances, fraud cases involve deception that the fraudster uses to their advantage. Many fraud schemes involve stealing others’ Social Security numbers<\/a> or other sensitive information. Other scams involve computer viruses or malware spread through hyperlinks in phishing<\/a> emails.<\/p>\r\n

Fraud offenses include the following, among others:<\/p>\r\n