Financial Crimes

Online Financial Crime Lawyer Fighting State & Federal Internet Crime Charges in OH, NC & FL

Online financial crimes are offenses that involve financial fraud or theft using the internet or a computer network. These alleged offenses can encompass a wide range of acts and are harshly prosecuted because they can impact companies, organizations and individuals on a large scale and result in huge financial losses.

In Florida, online fraud is generally addressed under Section 817.034, Florida Statutes, the Florida Communications Fraud Act, and identity theft under Section 817.568 (criminal use of personal identification information). In the federal system, these cases are typically charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (fraud by wire, radio, or television), 18 U.S.C. § 1028 (fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents, authentication features, and information), and 18 U.S.C. § 1028A (aggravated identity theft). In Ohio, similar conduct generally falls under R.C. 2913.49 (identity fraud) and 2913.05 (telecommunications fraud), and in North Carolina under G.S. 14-113.20 (identity theft). As always, laws are subject to change, so contact Attorney Ron Frey to discuss the details of your case and the current law.

Have you been arrested or are you under investigation for online financial fraud or some other internet or computer crime? Contact The Frey Law Firm, LLC and speak with an experienced internet financial fraud defense attorney. Attorney Ron Frey has practiced criminal defense since 2004 and has a deep knowledge of various technologies commonly used in alleged online fraud cases. He can review your case and explore your options with you. Attorney Ron Frey is a conference speaker and published author, and he taught computers and the law as an adjunct professor at Ursuline College.

See our pages on Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) Charges Under 18 U.S.C. § 1030, Explained, Online Wire Fraud, Cryptocurrency Fraud, and Money Laundering Charges, Explained, and Identity Theft and Aggravated Identity Theft Charges, Explained.

For people with no criminal history, see what to know when facing a first online fraud charge.

Internet Financial Crimes Can Include:

• Hacking into bank and credit card accounts
• Identity theft
• Wire Fraud
• Mail Fraud
• Money laundering
• Embezzlement
• Phishing scams
• Stealing company trade secrets

Common Online Financial Crime Allegations

Online financial crime charges can cover a wide range of alleged conduct. Common allegations include wire fraud, identity theft, phishing and business email compromise schemes, romance and cryptocurrency scams, and moving money for others as an alleged “money mule.” Newer cases reportedly involve AI voice cloning used to impersonate a family member or company executive and request a payment. Numerous federal and state statutes may be implicated, and the consequences are often extremely serious. Depending on the charge, they can include prison, restitution to alleged victims, and forfeiture of money or property. As always, laws are subject to change, and every case depends on its own facts.

How Financial Crime Investigations Generally Start

Many online financial crime investigations reportedly begin with a bank or payment company flagging unusual transactions, or with a complaint from an alleged victim. Federal agencies may then become involved and use subpoenas to obtain bank, email, phone, and cryptocurrency exchange records, often before the person under investigation knows anything about it. Some people first learn of a case when agents call or knock on the door, when accounts are frozen, or when a target letter arrives. Attorney Ron Frey reviews how every stop, search, seizure, inquiry, investigation, arrest, or target letter came about, because early involvement can make a real difference in how a case develops.

Money Mule Allegations

Some people are accused of financial crimes after allegedly moving money for someone else. They may have been recruited through an online job ad for a “payment processing” or “transfer agent” position, or through an online relationship in which a new friend or partner asked them to receive and forward funds. Investigators may treat those transfers as part of a fraud or money laundering scheme. In these cases, what the person actually knew and intended is often the central question. Attorney Ron Frey reviews the messages, the account activity, and how the person was approached to understand the full picture of what happened.

Thorough Investigations for Complex Financial Crimes

Many online financial fraud cases are multi-faceted and often involve sophisticated tools and technology. As a tech-savvy law firm, we understand the latest technology and how to analyze such evidence. We collaborate with forensic experts to scrutinize data and gain a deeper insight into the type of evidence that the prosecutor is relying upon. Our broad knowledge, paired with our creativity, has helped numerous clients in court. Whether we are fighting for a dismissal or defending you in front of a judge and jury, we advocate vigorously to preserve your rights and interests.

Evidence and Defense Issues in Financial Crime Cases

Financial crime cases often depend on records that can be read more than one way. Questions that may matter include whether the person intended to deceive anyone, who actually controlled an account or device, and whether an email or login was spoofed, shared, or compromised by someone else. IP addresses and device data can point to a location or network without proving who was at the keyboard. The government’s loss figures can also be challenged, since they may affect both the charge and any sentence. How devices were seized and records were obtained may matter too. Attorney Ron Frey carefully reviews the financial records, digital evidence, and investigative steps in each case to look for weaknesses and defenses. For more on how messages and account records are used, see our post on email evidence in criminal cases.

If You Are Contacted by Investigators

If agents call, show up at your home or business, freeze your accounts, or send a target letter, what you do next can matter. Attorney Ron Frey generally advises anyone in that position to stay calm, be polite, exercise the right to remain silent and speak with an attorney before making any statements. Every situation is unique, though, so contacting an attorney is a priority to get advice tailored to your case. To talk about your situation, contact Attorney Ron Frey at (844) 766-3739 for a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, by video, or in person.