Working To Fight Bank Fraud Accusations

You can act in good faith or without intent to financially hurt a bank, but still face bank fraud charges. Anyone who has been accused of defrauding a financial institution should hire a lawyer experienced in defending white collar offenses. Our attorneys at Brunvand Wise, P.A., have decades of experience protecting individuals from bank fraud allegations.

Bank fraud is an attempt to defraud a bank or financial institution to obtain the bank’s money or property. Anyone who poses as a financial institution to get money can also be charged with bank fraud. Because banks are federally insured, it could be considered a federal crime that could raise the level of the punishment.

What Does Bank Fraud Include?

The charges can be either a misdemeanor or a third-degree or second-degree felony. Your charges and penalties will vary depending on the circumstances of your case.

Bank fraud can include:

• Accounting issues such as fraudulent bookkeeping by companies to mask financial problems
• Bank impersonation or acting as a financial institution to set up a fake company or website that encourages people to deposit money
• Counterfeiting financial documents
• Falsifying information
• Fake/misleading appraisals
• Inflating purchases/lending prices
• Forgery: Altering a check by changing the name (or other information) or the amount on the check
• Fraudulent loans: Supplying a false identity to get a loan, forging information on a loan application or accepting a loan while knowing you are going to file for bankruptcy
• Internet fraud: A website is created that poses as a financial institution with the intent to get people to deposit money
• Stolen checks: Individuals steal checks and create an account that uses an assumed name

This crime does not have to involve violence or threats. However, if either is involved, it can lead to significant criminal penalties. It can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. Federal crimes could be tried as a felony. The possible penalty could include $1 million, with the possibility of up to 30 years in prison.

Get Efficient, Effective Representation

Contact our bank fraud lawyers if you are charged with defrauding a financial institute or bank fraud in Florida. Call our Clearwater or Tampa offices for a consultation at 813-521-8069 or email us.