5 Common Types of Fraud in Texas
Have you been charged with fraud in Texas? Fraud is defined as the use of any false, deceptive, or otherwise illegal means to obtain another individual’s or entity’s assets. These assets could include money, personal information, or other valuable data.
Texas prosecutors take all forms of fraud seriously and will pursue maximum penalties in a court of law. You could even face enhanced penalties that require your case to be tried on a federal level. A conviction on fraud charges could result in numerous damages, including mandatory prison sentencing. So, how is fraud defined?
Fraud charges can apply in a broad range of criminal circumstances. In the following informational list, we will explore the most common types of fraud and potential penalties. We will also reveal what you need to know to beat fraud charges in Texas.
1). Mail Fraud
Mail fraud is defined as any form of criminal activity that is committed through the use of any private or commercial mail carrier. This could include the US Postal Service, FedEx, or other another carrier.
Examples of Mail Fraud Include:
- Mail Illegitimate Sender
- Fraudulent Sweepstakes
- Any other form of deceit or dishonesty that is committed to deprive another individual of his/her property.
2). Healthcare Fraud
Healthcare fraud is a common crime in the United States. Healthcare fraud encompasses a broad range of criminal offenses that can apply to patients and/or medical professionals. Cases of healthcare fraud are investigated by top agencies in the federal government and at the state level as well.
Examples of Healthcare Fraud Include:
- Doctor Shopping
- Forgery
- Fraudulent Billing Practices
- Impersonating a Healthcare Professional
Billing fraud is one of the prevalent forms of healthcare fraud. These crimes are generally committed by medical practitioners and/or practice staff and may involve double billing, phantom billing, or another fraudulent practice.
Click here to read more about fraudulent medical billing practices and the steep penalties that exist for these crimes.
3.) Tax Fraud
Tax fraud is one of the most common forms of criminal fraud that occurs every year in the US. Tax fraud can apply in a broad range of circumstances. An experienced fraud defense attorney will be critical to your future if you have been charged.
4). Phishing
Phishing scams are digital crimes that are committed through the utilization of email. Phishing schemes generally involve the misrepresentation of a legitimate organization. For example, a scammer poses as PayPal to secure an individual’s personal information.
5.) Bank Fraud
Bank fraud is one of the most common types of fraud committed in Texas. Bank fraud is defined as the intentional defrauding of a financial institution.
Financial Institutions May Include:
- Federal Banks
- Credit Unions
- Payday Loan Providers
- Credit Card Agencies
- Other Financial Service Providers
Bank fraud can be committed by employees, clients, and/or individuals with no previous association with the institution.
Examples of Bank Fraud:
- A misrepresentation of financial assets is committed to illegally secure credit/financing through a financial institution.
- Misappropriation of funds is committed by a bank employee.
- Intentional funding of illegitimate loan accounts.
Penalties for Fraud in Texas
There are numerous penalties that may occur if you are convicted on fraud charges in Texas. Fraud charges could result in misdemeanor or felony-level criminal charges. There are broad range of potential charges and penalties based on the circumstances involved in your case.
Misdemeanor convictions may result in up to one year behind bars and fines of up to $4000. Felony fraud convictions carry steeper sentencing and more excessive fines. A State felony conviction could result in up two years behind bars and fines of up to $10,000.
The defendant may even face 3rd-degree felony charges in high-value fraud cases. A conviction on these charges could result in up to ten years in state prison.
Fraud is considered a theft crime and may pose numerous personal and professional penalties.
How to Beat Fraud Charges in Texas
There are several strategies that your attorney may utilize to help you beat charges related to any type of criminal fraud.
Potential Defense Strategies for Fraud:
- Extortion
- Coercion
- Innocence
- Simple Mistake
Gregg Gallian is an experienced fraud lawyer who has helped countless clients beat serious criminal charges like fraud. Contact fraud attorney Gallian Firm today at 1-214-432-8860 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation.
