A fraud case is any situation where deception has been used for the purpose of acquiring an unfair financial gain. Fraud can take many forms, and can involve an individual or an organization. It is defined as “any knowing misrepresentation of a material fact or concealment of something that should have been disclosed” (Black’s Law Dictionary). There are many different types of occupational fraud schemes, which can include insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, investment fraud and money laundering.
A typical fraud case begins with a report or suspicious activity, which is then investigated by internal investigators. The investigation involves collecting and reviewing a variety of documents, statements, and electronic data. Interviews with key suspects and witnesses are also crucial to identifying and uncovering hidden aspects of fraudulent activities. A secure chain of custody is vital to maintaining the integrity of evidence collected during an investigation.
Once the evidence has been gathered, a criminal case can be initiated to prosecute the perpetrators of fraud. The crime of fraud is classified as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the state and the value of the scheme. Some of the most common types of fraud cases include investment scams, health care fraud and mortgage fraud. If you believe that you have been a victim of any type of fraud, please contact the Department of Justice to file a complaint with them. Please be wary of asset recovery companies that charge high fees for their services, as they may do little more than send a demand letter to the fraudster and submit a boilerplate complaint to the appropriate regulators.
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