Fraud Investigations in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC
Prudential Associates Investigations and Digital Forensics
If there is a way for someone to defraud a company or another individual out of money or resources, someone somewhere is going to find it. White collar crime does not get the publicity of the latest armed robber or even burglary, though the cost to the victim and society can be just as great or greater, if not as personally violent. That’s why both law enforcement and private individuals need to be aware of the possibility of fraud.
If you think you may need a fraud investigator in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia areas, contact Prudential Associates Investigations and Digital Forensics in Rockville, MD.
The elements of fraud
Fraud occurs when:
- An individual or an organization intentionally makes an untrue representation about an important fact or event
- The untrue representation is believed by the victim
- The victim relies upon and acts upon the untrue representation
- The victim suffers a loss of money and/or property as a result of relying upon and acting upon the untrue representation
One of the most common types of fraud we hear about in the news today takes place financial world, where individuals or organizations attempt to “hide” money or assets in their reporting process. This type of fraud runs the gamut from something as simple as underreporting income to the IRS, to spouses in divorce cases hiding assets from the court, and from corporations hiding income and assets in a variety of ways. And in certain cases, an asset determination investigation may be necessary to ensure courts have full financial disclosure in both civil and criminal matters.
Common types of fraud
Some types of fraud investigations we conduct include:
- Bribery – Including Commercial bribery
- Tax evasion and underreporting
- Illegal gratuity
- Conflict of interest
- False statements or false claims
- Extortion
- Mail Fraud
- Wire Fraud
- Conspiracy
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Embezzlement
- Failure to report a Federal felony to the appropriate U. S. law enforcement authorities
Fraud laws
Fraud may be prosecuted in both state and Federal courts, when the fraud injures the U. S. government. However, some states have specific fraud statutes. Other states have laws that deal with bribery and corruption and may prosecute other types of fraud under larceny, robbery, embezzlement, or other statutes.
Federal conspiracy statutes may apply when two or more people are involved in the fraudulent activity. When the telephone, telegraph, or postal services is used in furtherance of the fraud, it can be prosecuted under the felony mail fraud or wire fraud laws. If anyone has knowledge of a fraud committed against the Federal government and does not report it, that person can be prosecuted for a felony crime and sent to prison.
Since fraud can also affect contracts and business relationships, civil litigation can follow.
If you are considering beginning a fraud investigation in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC, contact Prudential Associates Investigations and Digital Forensics in Rockville, MD.
Contact us at info@usainvestigators.com or 301-279-6700 ext 208. Remember to ask for our Background Levels and Rate Sheet.
