The recent pandemic prompted Congress to enact legislation that is intended to provide financial relief to businesses that were especially hard-hit by the widespread disease. One of those statutes, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act),...
Fraud
Harris County sues title company alleging many incidents of fraud
The sale of a residence can become a complex legal transaction and a fertile field for fraud. Harris County has recently sued a local title company, Patriot Title, alleging numerous acts of fraud perpetrated mostly against elderly people and others who cannot afford...
Understanding theft by check in Texas
A person who writes a bad check can face serious penalties in Texas. State law refers to this act as “theft by check.” The criminal charge requires the intent to defraud another person or entity, usually a business. Proving theft by check To find a person guilty of...
Penalties and potential defenses for accounting fraud
If a person is accused of accounting fraud, they may need information about potential penalties and defenses. Accounting fraud refers to a person who has intentionally manipulated financial statements, records or books to deceive others. It may involve defrauding...
Is fudging a little on your tax return a federal crime?
Under U.S. law, we all must file a federal income tax return every year and pay what we owe in income taxes. If you are afraid you cannot afford to pay what you owe, it may be tempting to fudge a little on your tax return or simply not file a return at all. Doing so,...
How can you defend yourself against fraud charges?
Being charged with a fraud crime in Texas requires a strong criminal defense. A fraud conviction comes with serious legal penalties, in addition to the potential damage to your career and reputation. There are many different types of fraud under Texas law, but most of...
Wire fraud: An extraordinarily broad category of criminal charges
Wire fraud is a type of financial crime that involves using electronic communication to deceive someone in the hope of gaining profit. The category is extremely broad, as this type of communication can include telephone, fax machines or the Internet. For that matter,...
SEC files oil, gas fraud claims totaling $122 million
The oil and gas fields of Texas are almost as alluring for potential fraud schemes as they are for would-be oil and gas investors. The Securities Exchange Commission recently underlined this point by filing significant fraud charges against a group of individuals who...
Five from Houston arrested for international fraud schemes
It is not uncommon for individuals to work together to make money. While this could be a simple business idea; others good be more complex plans. While many of these revenue causing ideas are done by the book, others may give rise to questionable actions. As such,...
Auto dealer accused of identity theft
An automobile dealer in the Houston area has been charged with felony theft after he supposedly purchased an RV using one of his customer’s financial information. According to police, the man has been charged with a third degree felony since the value of the property...