Bank fraud is a federal crime that involves a scheme to defraud a financial institution (a federally insured bank) or an attempt to obtain money (and other items) by fraud. Bank fraud is codified in 18 USC § 1344 which is the statute that sets forth the acts that constitute bank fraud and the penalties that can be imposed for those who are found to have violated the statute. The federal bank fraud statute provides:
Whoever knowingly executes, or attempts to execute, a scheme or artifice—
We fight for your rights and protect your freedom when you are threatened or charged with a federal crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office is the prosecuting authority in a federal bank fraud charge, and usually the federal agents involved are the FBI. Sometimes certain conduct can be found to constitute bank fraud as well as other federal crimes, such as wire fraud and mail fraud.
If you or a loved one are approached by a federal agent, or threatened or charged with a federal crime, you need a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. To discuss the federal criminal defense update or criminal law more generally, reach out to New York bank fraud lawyer Lorraine Gauli-Rufo at 973-239-4300 or LGR LAW for a consultation today.