Fraud is a broad term that encompasses various charges involving deception for personal or monetary gain. There are three general categories of fraud.

Consumer fraud includes offenses such as identity theft, Ponzi schemes, credit card theft, securities fraud, and check fraud. Crimes like mail fraud and those committed using phone lines or the internet—classified as wire fraud—are considered federal offenses.

The second category, employee fraud, includes acts such as embezzling funds or accepting bribes.

The third category involves fraud against the government or another business and includes offenses like tax fraud, tax evasion, Medicare or Social Security fraud, counterfeiting currency, and welfare fraud.

As you can see, fraud encompasses a wide range of activities. If you or someone close to you has been charged with fraud or is under investigation, it is crucial to work with a New York City fraud defense attorney who has experience across all categories and a proven track record of success.