There are a wide variety of criminal offenses involving fraud in Minnesota, including forgery, identity theft, insurance fraud, credit card fraud and money laundering. If you’ve been charged with fraud we’re here to help. Our lawyers will ensure that you are protected in the courtroom. We know you probably haven’t been through this before.
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Credit Card Fraud
In most cases, credit card fraud is the result of unauthorized usage of a credit card in order to make a monetary, or property, gain. For example, using another person’s credit card without their knowledge, or permission, to buy something for yourself is a type of credit card fraud.
Forgery
Depending on the circumstances, forgery can be treated as a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony. Felony forgery charges are the most common in Minnesota. The level of charge you face in a forgery case will often be dependent on the value of the forged document, or the amount of damage caused by your act of forgery.
Health Care Fraud
Health care fraud is a very serious crime that is typically charged as a felony. A health care fraud charge typically is issued when an individual or an organization cheats or attempts to cheat the government or an insurance company out of money.
Identity Theft
Any act of fraudulently using someone else’s personal identification information is classified as identity theft. In most cases, identity theft occurs when an individual tries to obtain money, property, or some other tangible gain by using the personal information of others.
Insurance Fraud
There are many different types of insurance fraud, but the general definition involves making, or attempting to make, a false insurance claim. False insurance claims can be filed by homeowners, car owners, renters, medical patients, and more.
Internet Crimes
The term “internet crime” covers a broad range of online criminal activity. Since many of these crimes are relatively new, law enforcement and the courts don’t always know how to handle these cases. Therefore, the legal system seems to be constantly rewritten in order to target this new brand of crime.
Mail Fraud
Mail fraud occurs when an individual, or group, uses the United States Postal Service, or any other interstate mail or parcel carrier, in an attempt to defraud others out of money, goods, or services. A mail fraud conviction can result in a long prison sentence, as well as large fines and restitution.
Money Laundering
Money laundering is the criminal act of gaining money in a way that seems legal on the surface. Money laundering typically occurs when an individual or group gains money illegally and “washes” it through a system in order to make everything look legitimate.
Mortgage Fraud
Securing a mortgage is often one of the biggest financial burdens an individual faces. In order to find relief, some people resort to mortgage fraud. Mortgage fraud is any act of misrepresenting or omitting information on a mortgage loan application in order to get a loan.
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud typically involves the use of telephone, internet, radio, or television to conduct a scheme that defrauds victims of money. For a crime to be classified as wire fraud, there must be proof that you used some type of communication device in order to deceive people out of money or property.