Fraud charges
A fraud charge means the prosecution says you got money or property by deceiving someone: a false statement, a false promise, or a scheme. The same conduct can be charged in state court, in federal court, or both. Here is how each court we appear in describes the basic charge.
What the charge means
Fraud cases are about intent and paperwork. The prosecution usually has to show not only that a statement was false, but that you meant to deceive and to get money or property by it. Mistakes, honest disagreements about a deal, and a business that simply failed are not the same thing.
Fraud cases are often built from records long before anyone is arrested: bank statements, emails, applications and the words of a cooperating witness. If you learn of an investigation before any charge, that is the time to call a lawyer.
Court by court
New York
Many fraud accusations in New York are charged as larceny, which includes taking or obtaining property by trick, embezzlement, false pretenses or false promise, among other ways [1].
New Jersey
Theft by deception is purposely obtaining another's property by deception, for example by creating or reinforcing a false impression [2]. Its degree follows the general theft grading, which turns on the amount involved and the kind of property [3].
Florida
Organized fraud is engaging in a scheme to defraud and obtaining property by it. It is a felony of the first degree when the aggregate value is $50,000 or more, of the second degree from $20,000 to under $50,000, and of the third degree under $20,000 [4].
Pennsylvania
Theft by deception is intentionally obtaining or withholding another's property by deception, for example by creating or reinforcing a false impression [5]. Its grade follows the general theft grading, which turns on the amount and the kind of property [6].
Federal court
Wire fraud covers a scheme or artifice to defraud carried out using wire, radio or television communication in interstate or foreign commerce [7]. The communication has to travel in interstate or foreign commerce, so your lawyer looks closely at how each call, email or transfer in the case was actually sent. See white collar charges and PPP and loan fraud.
What to do now
- Do not talk to investigators, auditors or agents without a lawyer, even "just to clear it up."
- Keep every record. Do not delete, edit or move files, emails or texts.
- Do not contact customers, investors, co-workers or anyone named in the case about it.
- If you received a letter, a subpoena or a call from an agent, bring it to your lawyer. Read target letters and grand jury subpoenas.
For the steps ahead in your court, use What happens next or the court pages for New York, New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania and federal court.
Common questions
An investigator wants to ask me a few questions. Is that a problem?
Treat it as serious. Say you will have a lawyer call back, and do not answer questions or hand over documents until you have spoken to one.
Should I delete old emails or texts?
No. Keep everything exactly as it is and talk to a lawyer. Deleting records after you learn of an investigation can create a separate problem.
Sources
- N.Y. Penal Law § 155.05(2)(a), (d), (e) (rev. 2024-07-26). Current as of November 12, 2026. Official text
- N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4. Current as of November 12, 2026. Official text
- N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2(b). Current as of November 12, 2026. Official text
- Fla. Stat. § 817.034(4)(a) (2026). Current as of November 12, 2026. Official text
- 18 Pa.C.S. § 3922(a). Current as of November 12, 2026. Official text
- 18 Pa.C.S. § 3903. Current as of November 12, 2026. Official text
- 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Current as of November 11, 2026. Official text
Arrested, or think you might be? Call before you answer any questions.
Call and tell us who was arrested or contacted and where the case is. A lawyer will tell you what happens next and what to do tonight. Please do not type what happened into a form or an email. We will talk about it on the phone.