Miami Check Fraud Lawyer

Local Check Fraud Attorney in Miami, FL

There are a number of different types of offenses that fall under the general category of check fraud. However, whether a person is convicted of bank check fraud or a check deposit scam, the results can be devastating and include both jail time and hefty fines. If you are being investigated for or have been charged with this type of offense, it is important to speak with an experienced check fraud lawyer in Miami who can help you get the best possible result.

Types Of Check Fraud

The types of offenses range in scope and severity.

Here are a few types of claims:

• Bank check fraud, which occurs when a person orders or signs checks for a closed account
• Fake check fraud, which involves the fabrication of checks using computer software, and in some cases, chemicals and solvents to modify a person’s information on a valid check
• Check washing, which occurs when someone erases another person’s information from a check
• Payroll check scams, wherein a fake payroll check is created or a real one is altered;
• Check cashing fraud, which occurs when someone cashes tax refunds when they have knowledge that the checks were obtained as a result of identity theft or if they know that the checks are invalid
• Check kiting fraud, which involves creating bank accounts at various financial institutions, writing checks from one of the accounts to others, and then using the time after the checks are cashed and before the money is subtracted to make it look like there is money in the account

Electronic check fraud, which often involves gaining online access to a bank account and using the account information to create counterfeit checks

Punishments

The severity of a punishment for committing a crime like this depends on the specific offense. For instance, if a person used a computer or the internet to perpetrate the fraud, he or she can be charged with wire fraud or computer fraud, both of which can result in long prison sentences. Federal law also specifically criminalizes knowingly participating in a scheme designed to obtain assets from a financial institution. A recent court decision clarified that any fraud scheme that is intended to obtain funds from a bank could justify a charge of federal bank fraud as long as the false statements were transmitted to a financial institution. This means that most check fraud offenses can be prosecuted in federal court. If convicted of federal check fraud, a person could face up to 30 years in prison, be required to pay thousands of dollars’ worth of fines, pay restitution to any victims, and serve a term of probation.