Pasadena Wire Fraud Attorney

Aggressive Defense Against Wire Fraud Allegations

If you are being accused of wire fraud, you must act immediately. As the subject of a federal investigation, you are in a position where you could face lengthy prison sentences, expensive fines, and a permanent criminal record.

Recruit the help of an experienced attorney. Matthew Cargal has over 25 years of experience defending clients against accusations such as these. Allow him to do the same for you.

Call the Law Offices of Matthew Cargal today for help: (888) 717-0139.

What Is Wire Fraud?

Wire fraud describes any case whereby the defendant used, or intended to use, some form of electronic communication to conduct illegal and fraudulent activity. The elements of the criminal act parallel those of mail fraud, with the main differentiating factor being wire fraud’s reliance on electronic communication to further the scheme.

Interstate wire communications could include the internet, phone, radio, television, and even financial wire transfers. However, the fraudulent activity does not necessarily have to consist solely of electronic communication to be a wire fraud case.

Common Examples of Wire Fraud

Wire fraud is becoming more common in the modern era, as people everywhere are increasingly reliant on virtual communication. Some common examples of wire fraud that you may have witnessed or recognize include:

• Executors of estates failing to fairly distribute funds among inheritors
• Phishing schemes
• Telemarketing fraud
• The creation of fake webpages that imitate organizations to seek donations

Most people immediately consider the “Nigerian Price Scam” when thinking of fraud. This is a classic example of wire fraud, as it relies on an email or telephone call to reach out to victims.

Coronavirus-Related Wire Fraud

Wire fraud related to coronavirus relief efforts is on the rise, with a number of Americans attempting to take advantage of endeavors introduced under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for their own financial gain.

In November, seven were indicted for their scheme to obtain around $16 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA).

These individuals filed at least 80 fraudulent PPP applications. As a result, they were all charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Some were also charged with money laundering.

As they used digital media to assert false claims, it qualifies as wire fraud.

Defenses for Wire Fraud Cases

In order to convict an individual of wire fraud, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

• The defendant intentionally participated in a scheme to defraud someone out of money
• The defendant had the intent to defraud the victim
• It was reasonably foreseeable that wire communications would be used
• Interstate wire communications were in fact used

We can help you fight wire fraud allegations, using defenses such as:

• Absence of intent to commit fraud, such as by unknowingly using the wrong insurance card
• Lack of knowledge of fraud, such as by having information regarding the truth of the acts withheld from you
• Puffery, or the use of exaggerated opinions to make a sale, with the expectation that consumers understand that there is a lack of basis to prove that a product is truly the “best” on the market, and is therefore simply just a marketing tactic

Our attorney will carefully evaluate your case to construct a strong personalized defense.