Charged with Fraud in New York City?

Fraud, put at its most basic definition, is the intentional deception of a third party in the attempt to obtain personal gain. This is considered to be a white collar crime due to the nature of the way in which it is usually carried out. There is no violence, but rather it is a theft crime that is utilized by somehow tricking the person - either by indirectly using false means or by luring them into trusting you and handing over their property and/or assets. Due to the nature of the crime, it is one of the hardest types of criminal acts to pursue and one of the most difficult to fully litigate and defend against.

Common Types of Fraud

There is no shortage to the different ways in which this offense can be carried out. As it is such a blanket term, it can include immeasurable different crimes. From internet crimes to federal crimes, it is a criminal offense that is constantly changing shape. Some of the most commonly noted types of fraud-related crimes, however, include the following:

• Bait and Switch - This is commonly used in retail sales. Simply put, the bait and switch involves a story baiting their customers into coming into the store with an advertisement and then switching it for a costlier product. This is commonly used to lure customers into the store and has often been associated with charges of false advertising.
• Counterfeiting - When someone counterfeits something, it basically means that they are creating a fake and attempting to pass it off as the original. This can mean making counterfeit money or making fake products that are designed to look like a name-brand product.
• Embezzlement - As a type of financial fraud, embezzlement occurs when a person has been given control over assets, property or funds and they do not handle them as trusted. In many cases, embezzlement occurs when the entrusted person will take the funds and put them into their own accounts or under their own name.
• Forgery - Similar to counterfeiting, forgery involves using a fake that is passed off as the original. This differs, however, in that it is usually in respect to legal documents, signatures and statistics instead of actual objects.
• Identity Theft - When someone attempts to take the information of another person and pass it off as their own, it can be considered to be identity theft. This is a fraudulent act that allows for a person to "cheat" and utilize another person's name, credit, background and the like to gain personal gain for themselves.

Have you been charged with fraud in NYC?

When dealing with a white collar crime such as fraud, you do not have the luxury of taking your time. It can be exhausting to try and handle these cases on your own - especially if you have never had to deal with the criminal process on your own. For this reason, it is highly encouraged that you do not hesitate to consult with a criminal defense attorney that you can trust as soon as possible. At Musa-Obregon & Associates, they know what is on the line with situations of this nature. You can be confident knowing that should you choose to work with them that they will go the distance in their efforts to fight to protect your legal rights. Call today to learn more!