When people think of fraud cases, they may be imagining the likes of Bernard Madoff or Sholam Weiss. However, there are actually many ways that fraud can be committed and it can affect individuals, companies or even government agencies. Fraud can be a crime in its own right or it can also be a form of theft. In either case, it’s important to understand what fraud is and how you can protect yourself and those around you from being victimized.
Fraud is a type of white collar crime that involves the deception and presentation of false information for financial gain. It is often not accompanied by physical injuries but it can result in damage to a person’s reputation or to their ability to get a job, which counts as injury under the law. Whether you’re investigating an allegation of fraud or defending yourself from one, a skilled white-collar criminal defense lawyer can help.
Victims of fraud can report the crime to a variety of people or groups, including police; friends or family members; banks, credit card companies and other payment providers; state or local consumer agencies; lawyers or their own attorneys; and the federal government. However, victims may not report the crime for a variety of reasons, such as fear of reprisal or believing that the fraud is too small to report.
Investigation of a fraud case can take time, but it’s essential to gather as much evidence as possible. This includes reviewing records as well as conducting interviews. Interviews are usually the most effective way to uncover details about a suspected scheme. It’s important to know what questions to ask and what documents to request. It’s also helpful to set deadlines and assign roles for different team members.