Fraud Defense Lawyer in Naples

Fraud can occur on the individual or organizational level in Naples, Florida. A person can engage in fraud by making a false insurance claim or shopping with a stolen credit card. Organized criminal groups skimming debit card numbers from ATMs are committing fraud as is a telemarketing company that is collecting money for fake goods or services. State and federal laws criminalize many fraudulent activities. Prosecution is always a serious matter, but federal prosecution presents the greatest risk of prison time and high fines. At the first hint of a criminal investigation, fraud suspects should consult a Naples fraud lawyer to learn more about their rights. Joffe Law, P.A. provides comprehensive criminal defense services to aid those confronted by allegations of fraud.

Types of Fraud cases Joffe Law, P.A. handles

Bank Fraud

Schemes designed to deceive financial institutions for the purpose of collecting money, receiving credit or acquiring property or other assets define bank fraud. Lies or misrepresentations on loan applications, identity theft, forgery or counterfeiting can all be involved. Because most financial institutions have some connection to the federal government, bank fraud attracts federal prosecution. Federal law 18 U.S.C. Section 1344 authorizes prison sentences up to 30 years and fines up to $1 million for people convicted of bank fraud.

Bankruptcy Fraud

Federal law governs bankruptcy cases, and intentional actions to deceive a bankruptcy court by lies or omission of facts can result in federal criminal charges. Accusations in these cases typically revolve around allegedly hiding assets, intentionally filing false disclosures, bribery or multiple filings across jurisdictions.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud frequently involves identity theft when people use stolen identities to apply for credit. An individual might commit this offense, but organized groups also steal or counterfeit cards. The state will prosecute small credit card crimes, but activities that cross state lines or have proceeds in excess of $150,000 will likely send defendants to federal court.

Health Care Fraud

Hospitals, clinics, pharmacists, physical therapists or other medical providers commit health care fraud when they bill private or public insurers for services that were never performed or intentionally inflate billings through various tactics. Actions influencing Medicare or Medicaid payments are especially likely to result in federal prosecution. Individuals in Naples may also commit health care fraud by falsifying or forging insurance claims or using other people’s insurance cards.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is the act of stealing someone’s personal identifying information, which is the first step to committing identity fraud. People may use the stolen identity to get approved for loans, withdraw money from bank accounts, rent or purchase real estate or receive medical benefits. The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act specifically makes this offense a federal crime.

Insurance Fraud

The temptation to exaggerate damages and receive a larger settlement can motivate people to engage in insurance fraud. Individuals or organized groups might stage accidents, falsify medical records or fake disability to collect money from insurers. Conviction opens the door to harsh penalties of up to 20 years in prison and payment of fines and restitution.

Mail and Wire Fraud

Fraud is broadly defined as intentional deception that results in a person or organization giving up something of value in what turns out to be an illegitimate transaction. Suspected frauds that employed postal services or any forms of electronic communications, like television, radio or internet, are known as mail and wire fraud. The internet has provided fertile ground for fraudulent actors to phish for financial data, lure victims on social media or take over computers with malware. This category of fraud can easily occur in conjunction with other crimes, such as money laundering, insider trading or health care fraud.

Mortgage Fraud

Real estate possesses great value, and the financing and sale of property can create opportunities for committing fraud. Lies on a mortgage application that hide identity, conceal debts or misrepresent income are mortgage fraud. Mortgage brokers, loan officers and appraisers may also conspire to inflate property values to obtain larger loans or deceive buyers into paying too much. Penalties are similar to bank fraud.

Telemarketing Fraud

Deceptive telemarketers will try to collect advance fees for fake loans, fake lottery winnings or fake job offers. Other frauds lure people into giving up their personal identification information or credit card or bank numbers. Because telemarketing schemes usually employ call centers out of state or even overseas, federal criminal charges are possible for people accused of deceiving others during sales calls.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fraud

Fears about the current public health emergency have made people vulnerable to offers of cures or treatments for Covid-19. Sellers making false claims about their products in relation to coronavirus could be accused of fraud. Both the state and federal governments are taking accusations of Covid-19 fraud very seriously.

Vigorous federal criminal defense in Naples

The intention to deceive is at the heart of fraud crimes, and an in-depth case evaluation by an attorney at Joffe Law, P.A. could reveal weaknesses in a prosecutor’s evidence. Even prior to an arrest, we encourage people under investigation for fraud to speak with an defense attorney. Our guidance may prevent you from providing information that enables investigators to file charges. The reputational damage possible even when under investigation cannot be discounted. Talk to us to learn about your rights and develop a strategy for preserving your liberty.