Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud allegations may involve the alleged unauthorized use of card information or transactions made without the cardholder’s permission. Evidence may include purchase records, account activity, surveillance, and communications.
The defence must consider whether the accused knowingly participated in the conduct and whether the evidence actually proves who made or authorized the transactions.
Identity Fraud/ Identity Theft
Identity fraud may involve allegations that someone used another person’s personal information to obtain credit, money, services, or other benefits. These cases can involve both physical documents and online accounts.
The prosecution may rely on financial records, electronic evidence, and information obtained from banks or other institutions. A careful review may reveal questions about access, knowledge, attribution, or the accused’s actual involvement.
Mortgage and Real Estate Fraud
Mortgage and real estate fraud allegations may arise from claims involving income, employment, property value, financing documents, or ownership information. The accused may be a borrower, broker, agent, investor, or another person involved in the transaction.
Because these cases can involve several people and large volumes of documentation, it is important to understand each person’s role before assuming that every participant had the same knowledge or intent.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud charges may arise from allegations involving false claims, exaggerated losses, staged events, or misleading information. Investigations may involve surveillance, interviews, records, and expert evidence.
An insurer’s decision to deny a claim is not automatically proof of criminal fraud. The Crown must still establish the legal elements of the offence.
Tax Fraud and Tax Evasion
Tax-related allegations may involve claims that income was hidden, expenses were falsely reported, or information was intentionally misrepresented. These cases can involve extensive financial records and lengthy investigations.
The distinction between an intentional act and an accounting error can be important. The evidence must be examined carefully to understand what the accused knew and intended.
Wire Fraud and Online Fraud
Online fraud cases may involve electronic transfers, online marketplaces, social media, phishing, fake accounts, or other internet-based conduct. Digital evidence may include messages, device records, banking information, and account activity.
The fact that an account, device, or email address is connected to an accused does not necessarily prove that the person knowingly committed the alleged offence. Attribution and intent are often central issues.
Fraud cases can also involve allegations of counterfeiting and forgery or theft and shoplifting charges.
