A fraud case is an investigation that uncovers instances of dishonest or unethical behavior that financially benefits the perpetrator. It involves a systematic process of collecting evidence, analyzing records, conducting interviews and verifying information to identify the perpetrator(s) and assess damage caused to the organization.
A criminal fraud case can involve a wide variety of offenses including money laundering, mail fraud, wire fraud, credit card fraud, health care fraud, mortgage fraud and even terrorism financing. It typically involves a larger amount of money than a typical theft offense and it can include multiple alleged victims. A criminal fraud case may be brought in state or federal court depending on the circumstances. For instance, if the crime involved corruption of government officials or an attempt to embezzle from programs run by a federal agency or the U.S. Postal Service, it would be prosecuted in federal court.
In order to prove fraud in a civil case, the plaintiff must demonstrate that they were deceived and that they suffered damages as a result of the deception. In addition, the misrepresentation must have materially altered the truth of a fact and that it was made with knowledge that it was false. It is also necessary that the deception must lead to the victim handing over property that was wrongfully taken. It is not sufficient to simply imply that the victim relied on the deceit because it could be argued that they had other reasons to hand over their property like a charitable contribution.