Internet Fraud Defense
Wire fraud, online scams, and digital financial crimes defense
Wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 is one of the most commonly charged federal offenses. The statute's broad language allows prosecutors to pursue a wide variety of internet-based schemes. Penalties can include up to 20 years imprisonment, or 30 years if the fraud affects a financial institution.
01Elements of Wire Fraud
To convict on wire fraud charges, prosecutors must prove:
1. A scheme to defraud or obtain money/property by false pretenses
2. Intent to defraud
3. Material misrepresentations or omissions
4. Use of interstate wire communications to further the scheme
The wire communication element is easily satisfied by any internet transmission, phone call, or electronic transfer.
02Common Internet Fraud Schemes
Federal prosecutions often target:
• Business email compromise (BEC) schemes
• Phishing and credential harvesting
• Online auction and marketplace fraud
• Investment and securities fraud
• Romance scams
• Cryptocurrency fraud
• Tech support scams
03Building an Effective Defense
Wire fraud defense strategies include:
• Challenging the existence of a "scheme to defraud"
• Disputing intent—was there a good faith belief?
• Attacking materiality of alleged misrepresentations
• Examining the wire communication evidence
• Venue challenges when communications cross jurisdictions
Facing Internet Fraud Charges?
Every case is unique. Contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss your specific situation and learn how we can help.
Schedule ConsultationKey Cases
United States v. Kelly
Honest services fraud limitations
Ciminelli v. United States
Property rights requirement
Relevant Statutes
- 18 U.S.C. § 1343 - Wire Fraud
- 18 U.S.C. § 1349 - Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
- 18 U.S.C. § 1956 - Money Laundering