The word fraud is often used as a generic term for cheating, stealing, or lying. However, it does have two formal definitions:
1. Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain
2. A person or thing intended to deceive others, typically by unjustifiably claiming or being credited with accomplishments or qualities
There are dozens of different crimes that can fall under the “fraud” umbrella. We’re going to be focusing on the most common types committed in Texas.
Adoption Fraud
When a person or institute attempts to either illegally adopt, or give up, a child for adoption. Dishonesty and bribes are often used to complete illegal adoptions.
Consumer Fraud
Any instance where unfair, deceptive, false, illegitimate, or misleading business practices results in an individual suffering a financial or personal loss.
Credit Card Fraud
Involves an unauthorized taking of another person’s credit card information for the purpose of using it to make purchases or to remove cash funds from its account.
Embezzlement
The theft or misappropriation of funds that belong to one’s employer and put into one’s personal possession.
Identity Theft
The fraudulent acquisition and use of a person’s private identifying information. This includes using another person’s name, address, birth date, credit card numbers and pin numbers, bank account numbers, and social security numbers for personal or financial gain.
Insurance Fraud
An act committed with the intent of obtaining some benefit or advantage from an insurance process. This may occur on part of the claimant or when an insurer knowingly denies a benefit that is due.
Mail Fraud
Any fraudulent scheme committed to intentionally deprive another person or property or services via mail or wire communication.
Money Laundering
The concealment of where illegally obtained money came from, typically done by making multiple transfers between legitimate businesses or foreign banks.
Pension Fraud
Involves the use of deceit or misrepresentation when making a pension claim. It requires either illegally taking or providing pension funds.
Tax Fraud
Occurs when an individual or business entity willfully and intentionally falsifies information on a tax return in order to limit their amount of tax liability.
Telemarketing Fraud
Refers to any type of scheme in which a criminal communicates via telephone to commit a variety of fraudulent activities on a victim.
If you find yourself accused of committing fraud in Texas, nothing is more important than getting yourself an experienced fraud lawyer. Contact a fraud attorney at Herron Law today to get the best help for your case!
