Businesses and organizations in California and around the country run thousands of sweepstakes and contests each year, but not all offers to send in entries that could win money or prizes are legitimate. The Federal Trade Commission receives more than 100,000...
A man in California has been arrested after allegedly attempting to defraud investors with a made-up company. In 2014, the man launched a company called CH4 Power that he claimed would turn cow manure into a safe, renewable form of energy. The equipment would...
Telemarketing fraud commonly occurs when solicitors in California or elsewhere try to get data from unsuspecting people. They may offer them a "grand prize," such as a free hotel stay, to keep them interested. Solicitors may use this to collect sensitive information...
Mail fraud occurs whenever someone uses the mail in any way while committing a crime. Because of this broad definition, there are many ways in which it can occur. However, the United States Postal Inspection Service highlights a few specific types of schemes that are...
You probably hear stories of people accused of either mail or wire fraud and take from that only that they stand accused of fraud. Mail fraud might seem easy to define (even if you do not understand the unique elements that constitute the crime), yet confusion often...
Wire fraud is a federal offense. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the law regarding wire fraud is essentially the same as mail fraud. The primary difference is that, instead of using the mail, the person uses interstate wire communications. Wire fraud...
Wire fraud is the act of using electronic transmission to defraud another person. The communication may occur through the phone, internet or radio. It results in a person persuaded to send money under false pretenses. This crime is a federal offense, and the...
Facing serious criminal allegations can turn anyone's life upside down. Of course, some charges are more serious than others and could come with more severe potential consequences. Because any accused individual wants to make the best out of his or her case, finding...
Mail fraud is a serious federal criminal charge that can have severe consequences, such as a large fine and/or time in prison. Using the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to commit a crime makes it easy for the federal government to step in and take action. The same holds...
