Fraud is a broad term referring to many types of financial crimes. But what does that mean, and what does it mean to be charged with one of these crimes?
White collar crimes may not be violent, but they’re still serious charges that can hurt your future. If you’re seeking out a criminal defense lawyer and you’re not sure where to start, check out the primer on some common types of fraud you may be charged with.
Embezzling involves the taking of funds and assets from an employer. Let’s say you’re an accountant. Your job may give you access to your employer’s financial information. If you used that access to take money from your employer’s accounts, you have committed embezzlement.
Accusations of embezzlement can hurt your future, including your career. Future employers may see embezzlement as a misdemeanor or felony on your record. They may choose not to hire you on these grounds.
Mail fraud is what its name suggests—a type of fraud involving the mailing of things. These items may include receipts, correspondence, and other documents to be used for fraud.
One of the most famous incidents of mail fraud involved Charles Ponzi, the man who gave the Ponzi scheme its name. This scheme involved mail coupons that used the US Postal Service’s system for the scheme.
If you’re a healthcare provider, like a doctor or nurse, you may face charges of abusing the healthcare system. This type of fraud usually involves submitting false or misleading reports to get extra healthcare benefits. That may include supplies, funding, and other forms of support.
Healthcare fraud can happen in many ways. For example, you may have been accused of billing for services not rendered, meaning you allegedly charged the insurance company for services the patient didn’t require. Falsifying documents or asking for higher payments than what are necessary can also lead to accusations of fraud.
Identity theft is one of the more common forms of fraud, and it can impact anyone whose information is stolen. Identity theft is the use and abuse of another person’s identifying information to get funds for yourself.
This is especially a problem for those who shop online or may have used identifying information on certain platforms. If these sites aren’t secure, a hacker or security breach can lead to your personal information being stolen.
Because of this, accusations of identity theft should be taken seriously. You may need a lawyer on your side if you’ve been accused.
If you’re facing fraud charges, your future may be on the line. The top-rated legal team from The Chetson Firm is here to help. We have the tools you need to gather evidence, build a strong defense, and get those charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re struggling to understand your charges, reach out to a lawyer by calling 919-352-9411 or by visiting us online for more information.
With more than 10 years of experience in some of North Carolina’s most serious and notorious cases, The Chetson Firm has a proven track record of securing outstanding results for our clients. Learning that you or someone you love has been charged with a criminal offense is the scariest experience a person can face. Criminal allegations can result in the loss of freedom, shame and stigma in your community, and devastating consequences to your family, your friends, and your ability to earn a living.... View full business profile here: The Chetson Firm, PLLC
