Types of Fraud Crimes: What You Need to Know

Fraud is a serious crime with devastating consequences for victims. Learn about the different types of fraud crimes, how they work, and how you can protect yourself.

Types of Fraud Crimes: What You Need to Know

Fraud is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for victims. It is important to be aware of the different types of fraud and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Mail fraud is one of the most common types of fraud. It involves sending false or misleading information through the mail in order to obtain money or property.

Driver's license fraud involves using someone else's driver's license or creating a false driver's license in order to commit a crime. Health care fraud involves submitting false claims to insurance companies in order to receive payment for services that were not provided. Debit and credit card fraud involves using someone else's card or creating a false card in order to make unauthorized purchases. Bank account appropriation fraud involves stealing money from someone else's bank account.

Fraud involving stolen tax refunds involves filing false tax returns in order to receive a refund. Voter fraud involves voting multiple times or using someone else's identity in order to vote. Internet fraud involves using the internet to commit a crime, such as identity theft or phishing. Advance fee fraud, also known as upfront fee fraud, is any scam that requires a fee in exchange for a service that does not deliver on its promises. Victims of these scams can lose their money, property, credit rating, and even their identity.

It is important to be aware of these scams and avoid them at all costs. Another type of fraud is Nigerian government fraud. This type of fraud involves scammers posing as government officials who contact victims and ask them for help transferring millions of dollars out of Nigeria in exchange for a percentage of the funds. Victims are asked to provide their name, bank account number, and other identifying information, as well as send checks to pay bribes or legal fees. This type of fraud can also lead to identity theft. Cashier's check fraud is another type of fraud that takes advantage of people's trust in cashier's checks.

Fraudulent cashier's checks are difficult to detect and can lead to victims losing money when they deposit them into their accounts. It is important to be aware of this type of fraud and take steps to protect yourself. Identity theft is another serious crime that can have devastating consequences for victims. It occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission in order to commit fraud or other crimes. It is important to check your credit report and credit card statements regularly in order to detect any suspicious activity. Impostor scams are another type of fraud that targets consumers.

Examples include romance scams, false phone calls claiming there is a “grandchild” crisis, or text messages that appear to come from Social Security or law enforcement. It is important to be aware of these scams and avoid giving out any personal information. The difference between criminal and civil fraud cases is that criminal cases are pursued by prosecutors while civil cases are pursued by the victim who was defrauded. A single act of fraud can be prosecuted as both criminal and civil cases. Bribery is another type of fraud that involves deals and contracts based on money and influence rather than merit or price. Electronic fraud occurs when someone uses an interstate communication device such as a telephone or internet as part of a plan to defraud someone else's property or anything else of value. Debit and credit card fraud occurs when someone uses someone else's card without their permission in order to obtain money, goods, or services.

Minor fraud includes activities such as exaggerating injuries after an accident in order to receive financial gain. It is important to be aware of the different types of fraud and take steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Credit monitoring can help you detect potential identity theft more quickly and avoid surprises when you apply for credit. If you have been a victim of fraud, contact the Bochetto & Lentz Philadelphia Law Firm for legal representation.