What does a fraud charge cover? Police lay it when someone is accused of getting goods, services or money by illegal means, usually through deception rather than outright taking. Common forms include credit card fraud, bank account takeover, internet fraud, mail fraud, driver’s licence fraud, stolen tax refund fraud and health care fraud.
Get the Defence You Need
Fraud is a criminal offence. An accusation like this can reach your work and your finances, and nothing says it has to cost you everything. Don’t wait to find out how far it can go.
Explaining Fraud Charges
Wire & Internet Fraud
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud is a federal crime-one that is quite broad and applicable to numerous types of activity. Wire fraud occurs whenever a person uses a telephone, electronic communication device, or a computer with Internet access to commit an act of fraud.
Computer and Internet Fraud
Computer fraud covers a broad range of criminal activity, including hacking into a computer or computer network intending to defraud an individual or a corporation. The act of defrauding could include altering or deleting records, accessing information, or obtaining something of value. Acts of Internet fraud include schemes related to identity theft, charitable contribution fraud, employment fraud, and investment fraud.
Counterfeiting
Anyone who produces counterfeit currency, documents, or goods also commits a type of fraud. Counterfeiting currency is a federal crime and examples include forging false birth certificates, driver’s licenses, or other essential documents. Manufacturing goods and selling them while claiming they are a name-brand item, such as selling counterfeit shoes or handbags, is also considered an act of fraud.
Credit Card Fraud
Another common form of fraud occurs when someone fraudulently obtains, uses, or forges a credit card. Credit card fraud can occur when, for example, a server obtains your credit card numbers when you pay for your restaurant bill and uses that information to make a purchase; or when a person finds your wallet and uses your cards. Additionally, hackers might gain access to your credit card information when you purchase something online or by tricking you into updating your payment information on a fake website.
Get a Clear Opinion on Your Fraud Charge
A fraud charge can reach your criminal history and your finances, and it can limit where you work. A free, honest opinion will tell you where the case stands.
What a Fraud Charge Means for Your Future
Penalties in Ontario apply to a first offence and to every one after it. They can include:
- A criminal record
- Job loss
- Losing your place at school or college, if you’re enrolled
- Jail time, heavy fines and probation
- Complications with immigration and citizenship
- Exclusion from certain careers
- Travel restrictions for some countries
- Public reporting of the conviction
Get help before your first court date
25 Years Defending Fraud Charges in Ontario
The penalties are serious, yet the burden sits with the Crown, and you’re innocent until proven guilty. Hire a lawyer who knows how to pick apart a paper trail and will work to protect your future.
What to Expect From Jonathan Lapid
- A free initial assessment that gives you an honest read on your fraud charge
- Reasonable fees, no hidden costs
- A record of hundreds of clients defended
- Other criminal lawyers rely on his advice on fraud charges
- 25 years of experience, from Jonathan himself
Jonathan Lapid, a Trusted Local Lawyer
With over 25 years of experience in the GTA, Jonathan Lapid is a criminal defence lawyer and a DUI expert. A few years ago, a Brampton police officer called him about a DUI charge. When Jonathan asked how the officer had found him, he said his police friends named Jonathan whenever he asked who they lose to in court.
His client list includes an NHL player, a Canadian Olympic athlete, police officers, lawyers, doctors, prominent senior executives, pilots, flight attendants, limousine drivers, factory workers and many other hard-working Canadians. That’s a record people notice, and it’s why even high-profile clients put their cases in his hands.
Local Knowledge in Toronto and the GTA
Where a fraud charge is heard depends on the region, the police service and the court. Jonathan Lapid has defended clients in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton and across the GTA for many years, and he knows how they differ.
Contact Jonathan for a free case assessment and a plan you can act on, even if your situation is complicated. Whichever court your case lands in, you can move forward knowing it will be treated seriously. Hire an experienced lawyer and give yourself the best chance at a better future.