White collar crime is non-violent crime committed for financial gain, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) aggressively prosecutes these offenses across the United States. Typically, white collar crime suspects are accused of fraudulently obtaining funds or benefits from victims.

The DOJ tracks the number and types of white collar crime in the United States, and the top five most frequently prosecuted are:

• Wire, radio or television fraud — During the first nine months of FY 2021, fraud by wire, radio or television was the most common white collar offense. This particular crime involves individuals who allegedly entice people to invest in fake businesses or investment schemes. At 790 prosecutions, this type of white collar crime had more prosecutions than the next three combined.
• Bank fraud — Ranking in the top three white collar crime prosecutions for 20 years, bank fraud can include forging checks or other financial documents, misrepresentations involving the use of credit cards and falsifying information on loan applications.
• Mail fraud — Mail fraud is a broad category of crime that can be charged as long as the actor has used the U.S. mail system to help further another crime. This includes emails and telephone calls since they are interstate communications. The underlying crime can be a letter soliciting the payment of a fee for a free service, such as putting your name on a do-not-call-list.
• Health care fraud — Health care fraud occurs when persons illegally scheme to get health care benefits or payments. This can be committed by health care providers, patients or others.
• Conspiracy to defraud the United States — This includes crimes where people illegally receive payments or benefits from government programs. Recent examples include violations of the Payment Protection Program (PPP). Congress created the PPP as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). It was designed to help small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Forgivable loans were made to qualified small businesses to meet payroll expenses, make mortgage payments and other financial needs.

The penalties for being convicted of any of these crimes could involve prison time and restitution, so a strong criminal defense attorney is needed to combat these charges successfully.

The Law Office of Roma W. Theus, II, P.A. handles a wide range of criminal defense matters in Florida and other locations across the country and has a strong track record of combating white collar crime charges. Please call 954.281.4851 or contact me online for a consultation at my Wellington office.