What is the definition of criminal fraud?
Criminal fraud is defined as an intentional deception made for personal gain or to cause economic harm to another individual. In California, criminal fraud is addressed in the California Penal Code Section 484. It states that any person who knowingly and willfully uses false or fraudulent representations, pretenses, or promises in order to obtain money, property, services, or anything of value from another, or to deprive another of money, property, services, or anything of value, is guilty of criminal fraud. This can include a variety of deceptive practices such as credit card fraud, insurance fraud, computer fraud, mail fraud, identity theft, and more. Depending on the severity of the crime and other factors, the punishment for criminal fraud can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, and may include substantial fines, restitution, probation, and even jail time.
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