Businesses and individuals alike are closely watched by government and other regulatory agencies to ensure the legality of all business operations. However, allegations of fraud and various other types of abuse are often brought up. If you or your business are facing such allegations, there is no need to panic. Our experienced team of attorneys at Monteleon Law Group can help you.
White collar crime encompasses a range of nonviolent criminal offenses that are financially motivated. Examples of white collar crime include the following:
Simply because accusations were raised against you or your business does not mean the accusations are true. If you or your business have been wrongly accused of any form of white collar crime, read on to find out what we can do to assist you.
Many white collar crimes involve some type of fraud being committed, or in some cases, numerous types of fraud that can lead to a multitude of charges. Fraud is defined as wrongful or criminal deception with the intent of financial or personal gain. Various forms of fraud include the following:
Mail fraud
Mail fraud is a felony offense that occurs when the United States Postal Service is used to defraud a victim. The perpetrator knowingly plans and acts on a scheme to gain money or property from the victim via U.S. mail.
Identity fraud
Identity fraud occurs when an individual steals another’s personal, private or financial information, and then uses that information. Identity fraud often leads to various other types of fraud, such as credit card fraud.
Medicare/Medicaid fraud
Medicare and Medicaid fraud can be committed by numerous parties – including doctors, patients, healthcare facilities or anyone who falsely identifies as one of these parties. Receiving benefits that you are not eligible for is considered fraud, as is a doctor performing unnecessary tests and healthcare facilities billing for services that were not performed.
Bank fraud
Bank fraud is the use of deception to obtain money, assets or other property from a bank, financial institution or a bank’s depositors.
Tax fraud
Tax fraud occurs when an individual or company knowingly falsifies information on a tax return with the intent of paying less than what the individual/business owes in taxes.
Credit card fraud
Credit card fraud describes a wide range of crimes, including stealing another’s credit card, using another’s credit card without approval, manufacturing a fraudulent credit card, using falsified information on a credit application and creating a website with the intent of stealing credit card information.
Unemployment fraud
Unemployment fraud is the intentional misrepresentation of your employment status for the purposes of gaining unemployment funds. Working while collecting benefits, failing to actively seek work while unemployed and lying about your ability to work can all be considered unemployment fraud.
Insurance fraud
Insurance fraud occurs when an act is committed to defraud an insurance process. Examples include staged accidents and intentionally damaging your own property with the intent of benefitting from an insurance claim.
Bankruptcy fraud
Bankruptcy fraud often occurs when a debtor does not reveal assets with the intent of retaining them. Examples include falsifying information on a bankruptcy form, transferring money to loved ones with the intent of hiding it and taking on debt with intent to file bankruptcy multiple times.
Computer fraud
Computer fraud is the act of using a computer to knowingly obtain or edit data or illegally accessing a computer database.
White collar crime is a serious offense that can result in strict punishments that vary based on the level of the crime committed. Punishments range from monetary fines to prison time, and can include a combination of both. Other penalties for committing white collar crime can include home detention, community confinement and restitution.
If you have been accused of committing white collar crime, we are here to help you. Contact us to find out how our passionate and knowledgeable team of attorneys can assist you with your case.