What is the difference between civil and criminal fraud?

The main difference between civil and criminal fraud is that civil fraud is a private lawsuit between two parties, while criminal fraud is a crime that is prosecuted by the State of California. Civil fraud involves one party making false promises or statements to another party. This can include misrepresenting a product or service, or not delivering a product or service. The injured party can file a lawsuit against the fraudster to get restitution or damages. This is a civil court case, and the fraudster can be required to pay a monetary award or resolve the dispute. Criminal fraud, on the other hand, is a criminal act punishable by the State of California. Criminal fraud includes activities such as mail fraud, wire fraud, tax fraud, and identity theft. In these cases, the victim cannot file a lawsuit against the fraudster, but instead must report the crime to the police. The case will then be handled by the state or federal government, where the fraudster could face criminal penalties, such as fines or jail time. In summary, the major difference between civil and criminal fraud is that civil fraud is a private lawsuit between two parties, while criminal fraud is a crime prosecuted by the State of California. Both types of fraud can have serious consequences, and it is important to understand the differences.

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