How is wire fraud committed?
Wire fraud is a type of white collar crime that involves the use of technology to take money or property illegally. In the context of Florida law, wire fraud is committed when someone, through the use of electronic transmission of information, knowingly and with intent to defraud, “(1) devise[s] or intend[s] to devise any scheme or artifice to defraud; or (2) makes or intend[s] to make any untrue statement of material fact or to omit to state a material fact.” Examples of electronic transmissions of information that can be used to commit wire fraud include emails, text messages, phone calls, and other forms of communication. Wire fraud can also be committed through the use of a computer or other device. In such cases, a person must knowingly and with intent to defraud, “(1) transmit[s] or cause[s] to be transmitted by means of a computer or other electronic communication device, any writing, sign, signal, picture, sound, or any other information; or (2) knowingly access[es] a computer or other network without authorization or exceeding authorized access.” In some cases, wire fraud can be committed through the use of the United States Postal Service, or other government instrumentalities. These include using the Postal Service to transmit a false or fraudulent material fact or omit a material fact, with the intent to defraud another person. In Florida, those convicted of wire fraud can face a range of penalties, including imprisonment for up to 20 years, criminal fines, and other costs. Because the penalties for wire fraud can be severe, it is important to speak to a qualified attorney if you have been charged with this crime.
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