What is the difference between civil and criminal fraud?

The difference between civil and criminal fraud is that civil fraud has to do with someone being wrongfully deprived of their property or money, while criminal fraud is a criminal act such as lying or obtaining property through deceptive means. When someone commits civil fraud, the victim can sue for damages in a civil court. These damages can include the cost of replacing stolen property or the amount of money taken from the victim. Generally, the courts will award a monetary amount to the victim as compensation for their losses. Criminal fraud, on the other hand, is a crime that can be prosecuted. Depending on the severity of the crime, someone who has committed criminal fraud may be faced with jail time and/or fines. If a person is found guilty of criminal fraud in Washington they can be charged with a felony and be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000. In summation, civil fraud is a civil law wrong, and criminal fraud is a crime. Civil fraud is addressed in a civil court and can result in a monetary reward for the victim, while criminal fraud is a crime that can be punishable by jail time or hefty fines in Washington.

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