In Minnesota, fraud in be committed in many different ways.   Sometimes fraud is charged under the theft statute, for example, as a theft by swindle.  Fraud is the act of deliberately deceiving someone in order to cause them damage financially,  e.g., by giving up something of value in reliance on a misrespresentation.   The harm that is done is usual financial or affects a person’s other personal affairs.

The following are some  types of fraud that are charged in state court:

• Mortgage Fraud
• Insurance Fraud
• Medical Assistance Fraud
• Lottery Fraud and Gambling Fraud
• Fraudulent Driver’s License
• Fraud in Obtaining Credit
• Credit Card Fraud
• Telecommunications Fraud

Mortgage Fraud

Mortgage fraud is committed when one provides false information to obtain a mortgage and the related funds for the purchase of real estate.  This can include the falsifying of financial information, job information, or any other information which is material to the lender.

Many actors in the lending process can be accused of mortgage fraud, including borrowers, real estate agents or brokers, mortgage agents or brokers, and people who work for the lender themselves.

If there are multiple instances of mortgage fraud, prosecutors sometimes charge the actors under the Minnesota Racketering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO)  statute.  RICO charges are much more serious than a simple fraud and carry more severe penalties.  RICO can also be alleged in other types of fraud as well, depending on the number of crimes and the sophistication of the parties involved.

Minnesota Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud occurs when false information is submitted to an insurer with the intent that the insurer act on that falsity.   Someone applying for insurance, for example,  may make a false statement in an application.   More commonly, false claims for compensation are submitted to an insurer by the insured.

Medical Assistance Fraud

Minnesota medical assistance fraud occurs when any person attempts to defraud insurance or another entity by coding insurance claims improperly in order to bill a higher amount, filing a false claim, or theft of public funds.

Lottery And Gambling Fraud

Lottery fraud occurs when someone tries to defraud the Minnesota lottery system by counterfeiting a state lottery ticket or someone claims a prize by fraudulent means, e.g., by a misrepresentation.

In the case of gambling, it is fraud when one tries to alter gambling equipment, claims a prize that is not rightfully theirs, or uses other fraudulent means to obtain the prize. The reproduction of prize receipts that are used by the Gambling Control Board is considered fraudulent.

Fraudulent Driver’s License

A fraudulent driver’s license is one that is not real. It is created through the use of computer programs.

Fraud In Obtaining Credit And Credit Card Fraud

A person who obtains credit by providing false information has committed fraud.  This includes misrepresentation of financial ability to pay back borrowed amounts.

Credit card fraud also can occur by obtaining a credit card by providing a creditor false information.  Of course, using another person’s credit card without their consent is also credit card fraud.

Telecommunications Fraud

Telecommunications fraud occurs when someone obtains telecommunications service by fraudulent means for their own use.  This frequently refers to fraudulent use of telephone lines or acts involving cell phone service.

Minneapolis Criminal Attorneys & Defense Lawyer

If you have been accused of fraud, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible.  There likely will be many documents to review and possible legitimate explanation for the actions which give rise to the  accusations.

Contact James Sheehy at 612-341-1011 for your free initial consultation. Mr. Sheehy provides his clients with aggressive representation that yields results.    Call today and get the excellent representation you need and deserve.