Types of Fraudulent Crimes
There are many types of fraudulent crimes. Simply put, fraud is committed when something untruthful is communicated that causes another party to do something that causes them harm.
For example, significantly overstating one’s income or assets on a loan application to a bank is communicating something untruthful. When the bank then makes a home loan based on that information, it causes them harm.
Here are a Few Types of Fradulent Crimes:
Check Fraud
Check fraud is when you make, use, or possess or attempt to make or use a fake, altered, or forged check in order to obtain money, property, or services with fraudulent intent.
Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud is when a credit or debit card is used in an unlawful manner, meaning it was stolen or illegally accessed, then used with fraudulent intent. This results in a loss to the owner of the credit or debit card.
Credit card fraud includes the following:
- Forging
- Altering
- Stealing
- Publishing credit card or account information
- Counterfeiting
- Identity theft
Embezzlement
The legal definition of embezzlement in California, under Penal Code 503, is the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is when someone steals someone’s personal identifying information to use unlawfully. Identity theft is usually committed in combination with other fraudulent crimes, such as:
- Credit card theft
- Check fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Prescription Drug fraud
- Health Care fraud
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud is when someone makes a false insurance claim in order to gain money on a false, exaggerated, or deliberate injury or loss.
Medi-Cal Fraud
Medi-Cal is a state program that helps low-income families with health costs. Medi-Cal fraud is a type of insurance fraud that targets Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
Examples of Medi-Cal Fraud:
- Getting Medi-Cal benefits under a false declaration in order to get more from Medi-Cal
- Making a false or fraudulent claim on purpose for payment of a Medi-Cal benefit
- Submitting a claim for a Medi-Cal benefit that was not actually used
Mortgage Fraud
Mortgage fraud also referred to as real estate fraud, is a type of fraud in connection with mortgage transactions. It usually involves misrepresentation or misstatement on mortgage documents. If someone submits a fake W-2 form or obtains an inflated property appraisal, then that amounts to mortgage fraud.
There are two types of mortgage fraud recognized by law enforcement. They are:
- Housing Fraud: A borrower submits false information in order to qualify for a loan or get a better loan rate when buying a home.
- Profit Gain: Mortgage fraud for the purpose of gaining a profit is usually committed by real estate agents, mortgage brokers, or appraisers in order to get money from the property.
Prescription Drug Fraud
Prescription drug fraud can be committed by doctors or patients. Patients commit prescription drug fraud in order to obtain a prescription for a controlled substance through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation or concealing facts. Doctors commit prescription drug fraud by writing illegal prescriptions either for themselves, friends, family, or patients.
What to Do if You’ve Been Accused of Any of These Types of Fraudulent Crimes
If you’re found guilty of fraud charges, you can face fines, probation, or even jail time.
There are legal defenses for these types of fraudulent crimes. An experienced fraud charges lawyer like Mark Broughton will fight for you and for your right to a fair trial.
