Wire fraud is a serious white collar crime that can lead to heavy fines and years in federal prison. However, the complex legal definition and elements of wire fraud are often misunderstood. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what constitutes wire fraud, the penalties associated with it, and some of the most common types. We will also review some of the most important steps when it comes to defenses against fire fraud charges.

What is Wire Fraud?

Wire fraud is a federal crime in which electronic communication, such as the Internet or text messaging, is used to commit financial fraud. In most cases, it involves using false information or misrepresentations to obtain money, property, or assets from victims. In order to constitute as wire fraud, it typically requires the use of interstate wires, meaning that the fraudulent communication or transaction crosses state lines or involves multiple states. Wire fraud can manifest in various forms, including investment scams, identity theft, phishing, Ponzi schemes, and business fraud, among others. 

It is essential to note that someone may be found guilty of wire fraud even if he or she never actually defrauded anyone or sent a fraudulent electronic communication. As per U.S. federal law, it is enough that the fraudster had intent to defraud another person and acted with knowledge that wire communications were being used to commit fraud.

Wire Fraud Penalties

According to United States federal law, wire fraud carries a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment. Moreover, it can lead to fines of up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for businesses or organizations. In some circumstances where the wire fraud offense involves major disaster relief funds or is perpetrated by a financial institution, the penalties increase substantially - defendants face up to 30 years in federal prison as well as fines of up to $1 million. The specific penalty for committing wire fraud depends on the particular circumstances of the case as well as judicial discretion. 

Beyond formal legal ramifications, wire fraud often entails devastating personal and professional consequences. Those convicted of fire fraud may find it extremely difficult to find legitimate employment and attempt to rebuild trust among loved ones, even after legal penalties have been served.

Types of Wire Fraud

Wire fraud can manifest in various forms, each characterized by the specific methods and schemes used to defraud victims. Some common types of wire fraud include:

• Advance-Fee Scams: The story of the Nigerian prince is one of the most common advance-fee scam tactics. In this scheme, victims receive a message from someone claiming to be a Nigerian prince. The “prince” claims he cannot access his fortunes for various reasons and needs the victim's help, offering to share a percentage of the cash if they assist. In reality, there is no stranded Nigerian money or prince - it is simply a scam to convince victims to pay various "fees" upfront in order to receive a payout that will never actually arrive.
• Phishing: Phishing is a common cybercrime in which a scammer sends fraudulent communications that appear to come from a trustworthy source in order to steal sensitive information. These messages generally contain links or attachments that lead to counterfeit websites designed to mimic real ones. 
• Identity Theft: Identity theft is the crime of obtaining the personal or financial information of another person without their permission, typically for financial gain or to commit fraud. The information acquired may be used to steal money, open credit accounts, make health insurance claims and other actions. 
• Business Email Compromise (BEC): In these scams, a company's email system is hacked and messages are sent to customers and partners with fake wiring instructions causing them to improperly transfer funds not to the intended recipient. In a BEC attack, cybercriminals often impersonate high-ranking executives, such as the CEO or CFO, or trusted vendors and suppliers. 

Defending Against Wire Fraud Charges

If you, a family member, or your company are facing allegations or have been charged with wire fraud, it's imperative to take this matter seriously, as wire fraud charges carry significant legal ramifications. There are several defenses against wire fraud that may be available to you, depending on your personal circumstances of the case. With the help of Attorney At Law, seek immediate legal counsel from an experienced attorney who specializes in white-collar crimes and wire fraud cases. Your attorney will guide you through the legal process, assess the strength of the prosecution's case, and develop a powerful defense strategy. Reach out for a consultation today.