The Law Dictionary for Everyone
A whistleblower is an employee who notices and reports wrongdoing within his company or organization, which could negatively affect the public as a whole. Whistleblowers are protected under the law. This means that whistleblowers should not have to fear retribution, such as the loss of their jobs, simply because they “blew the whistle,” speaking up against unlawful acts. To explore […]
Read moreThe term phishing refers to the act of fraudulently acquiring someone’s personal and private information, such as online account names, login information, and passwords. This information may then be used to steal money, order products using the victim’s credit cards, and otherwise defraud the victim. Phishing is accomplished through online means, meaning through the use of email, social media, and […]
Read moreA pyramid scheme is a fraudulent business model that uses new recruits, who are promised payment to enroll others. The illegal investment scam begins when an individual or company recruits investors by promising high returns. These recruits are led to believe that the more people brought into the business, the higher the profits will be. Pyramid schemes only benefit the […]
Read moreWire fraud refers to fraud that is committed through the use of wires, or electronic means. Wire fraud may be committed using interstate wires, television or radio communications, or the Internet. Wire fraud is an intentional act to defraud another individual or entity of his money or property, and is a federal crime punishable by up to 30 years in […]
Read moreThe term mail fraud refers to any scheme carried out in a fraudulent manner, with the intent of depriving another person of his or her property, or “honest services,” via the U.S. Postal Service, or any other interstate mail carrier. Since 1872, the crime of mail fraud has been classified as a federal offense in the United States, and carries […]
Read moreIdentity theft is the act of stealing another person’s personal identifying information in order to gain access to his financial resources, or obtain access to other benefits, such as money, credit, or insurance benefits. Identity theft, sometimes referred to as “identity fraud,” is a crime that carries serious consequences. To explore this concept, consider the following identity theft definition. Definition […]
Read moreHealth care fraud is a crime that involves misrepresenting information, concealing information, or deceiving a person or entity in order to receive benefits, or to make a financial profit. Both individuals and healthcare providers commit health care fraud, in a number of different ways. The laws regarding health care fraud vary by jurisdiction, though both state and federal laws are […]
Read moreCredit card fraud is a form of identity theft in which an individual uses someone else’s credit card information to charge purchases, or to withdraw funds from the account. Credit card fraud also includes the fraudulent use of a debit card, and may be accomplished by the theft of the actual card, or by illegally obtaining the cardholder’s account and […]
Read moreInsurance fraud occurs when a person or entity makes false insurance claims in order to obtain compensation or benefits to which they are not entitled. Insurance fraud is committed in many forms, but regardless of the type, it is considered a serious crime in all jurisdictions. To explore this concept, consider the following insurance fraud definition. Definition of Insurance Fraud […]
Read moreDefalcation occurs when an employee of a company mishandles or misappropriates funds with which they have been entrusted. This can occur in many ways, and the act of defalcation is illegal and punishable in a court of law. Similar to embezzlement defalcation is most commonly perpetrated by employees who have full access to the company’s finances or accounting records. Defalcation […]
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