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Crime Overview Wire Fraud

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Wire fraud is any fraudulent activity which takes place via electronic communication of any kind. This includes Internet and phone fraud. Millions of unsuspecting individuals and businesses are affected by wire fraud each year in the U.S., and millions of dollars are lost as a result of wire frauds annually.

Wire fraud occurs when interstate wire communications facilities are used to carry out a scheme to defraud. Computer modems, radios, telephones, and televisions are all considered interstate wires.

In the United states, the law concerning wire fraud reads:

Whoever, having devised or intending to devise any scheme or artifice to defraud, or for obtaining money or property by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, transmits or causes to be transmitted by means of wire, radio, or television communication in interstate or foreign commerce, any writings, signs, signals, pictures, or sounds for the purpose of executing such scheme or artifice, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both. If the violation affects a financial institution, such person shall be fined not more than $1,000,000 or imprisoned not more than 30 years, or both.

As with mail fraud, the statute concerning wire fraud can be used as a basis for federal prosecution of what would have otherwise been only a violation of state law. Since wire communications often cross state lines, the federal government generally has jurisdiction over crimes that are committed using these means.

If you have been accused of wire fraud, whether you feel you are guilty or not, you should hire a criminal lawyer or attorney to help you with your case. Criminal lawyers and attorneys represent individuals who have been charged with crimes by arguing their cases in courts of law. A criminal lawyer or attorney will typically have a private practice concentrating on criminal law.

If you are suing someone for wire fraud to recover damages resulting from the crime, you will need to hire a civil lawyer or attorney.

If you have been arrested for wire fraud, you should request an attorney as soon as possible. A good criminal attorney will be familiar with important wire fraud laws of the state in which the crime took place. When searching for a criminal lawyer or attorney to help you with your case, visit the American Bar Association. The American Bar Association offers free access to their lawyer locator, a search function that can help you find a suitable criminal lawyer or attorney in your area.