Harmful Deceptions
There are three factors that go into any fraud charge: a purposeful deception, an intent to deprive a victim of something, and actual loss suffered as a result of the allegedly fraudulent activity. Some common types of fraud include identity theft, insurance fraud, medicare fraud, and tax evasion.
Identity Theft
Identity theft involves the use of personally identifying information to wrongfully claim benefits that the individual is not entitled to. Someone who commits identity theft could use a stolen social security number to claim someone else’s tax return, a wrongfully obtained health insurance number to send fake bills to the insurer, or personal information to claim unemployment benefits. Another prominent example of identity theft is stealing personal information in order to open up and overcharge credit cards in someone else’s name.
Insurance Fraud
There are many ways to commit insurance fraud. One example often showcased in cinema is intentionally committing arson in order to claim a building’s insurance money. However, insurance fraud can also include filing a false claim with an insurer such as staging a vehicle crash or theft in order to acquire an insurance payout. In all examples, the perpetrator is using deception to acquire insurance payouts that they are not actually entitled to.
Medicare Fraud
Medicare fraud can function on the individual or organizational levels. For example, when an organization that accepts medicare funds overcharges a patient on medicare, uses more medication than is medically effective, or prescribes overly expensive medications, that is medicare fraud. Medicare fraud is unique in that the victim of the fraud is not an individual or a company, but instead it is the U.S. government.
Tax Evasion
Another famous example of fraud, tax evasion refers to any deceptive practices performed while filing federal or state taxes. This also includes individuals who do not file their taxes. If someone fails to disclose income, whether it’s a hedge fund hiding assets or a server not reporting cash tips, that person has committed tax evasion. Additionally, when individuals or organizations take exemptions or deductions that they don’t actually qualify for, that is also tax evasion.
Giving You The Advocacy You Deserve
If you have been accused of fraud and need to defend yourself, you will need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A private defense attorney is able to focus completely on your case and devote far more attention to your case than a public defender would be able to.
In order to achieve this best outcome, however, you will need an attorney who has the expertise and resources to take your case all the way. That’s why you should contact Attorney at Law. By partnering with AAL, you will be able to avoid slogging through the quagmire of unscrupulous lawyers looking to exploit your case.
At AAL, we only partner with the best firms in your area, helping you find the best attorney for your case. Don’t wait, contact AAL today to be matched with skilled and experienced attorneys in your area who practice criminal law.
