The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission recently reported the largest-ever whistleblower award, where an individual received a $200 million dollar payment for providing information about violations. The Whistleblower Program is responsible for granting a number...

Year: 2022
How are tax fraud and negligence different?
Overall, the IRS estimates that tax crime convictions only represent less than one percent of taxpayers each year. However, they also estimate that almost 20% of taxpayers are not in compliance with the tax code in some form. In fact, it is also more common for...
Tax avoidance versus tax fraud
Tax fraud is the failure to pay or evade your tax bill. The IRS calls fraud the misrepresentation of material facts or failure to speak when your knowledge may prevent material damage. Paying less in taxes does not mean you committed tax fraud. There is tax evasion...
What do fake phone calls have to do with bank fraud?
If you receive a call from your bank saying there is an issue with your account, you probably would not question it, especially if the number showing up belongs to your financial institution. Unfortunately, scammers have learned how to fake phone numbers so that they...
A close look at a recent embezzlement case in New Jersey
While each instance of alleged white-collar crime has unique factors, a close look at a specific case can reveal some aspects of the New Jersey legal system. Embezzlement, the fraudulent taking of assets by another person entrusted with those assets, often involves a...
What does it take to convict you of wire fraud?
When you use electronic communications across state lines to defraud others, you may face conviction, severe fines and up to 20 years in prison. These penalties may also apply even if you do not succeed in stealing someone's money or property. A prosecutor can use the...
Why you do not want to get convicted of mail fraud
Mail fraud is a federal crime. To prove mail fraud, a prosecutor must show that you intended to defraud persons to get their property or money and used the mail to carry out your scheme. Using an interstate delivery service other than the U.S. postal service counts...
Health care fraud conspiracy raises questions about connections
Allegations of fraud of any kind risk harm to business owners, investors and industry professionals. When the stakes are in the millions, the penalties threaten the stability of businesses through thousands of dollars worth of fines and the futures of those charged...
Can outsiders be guilty of insider trading?
Insider trading may lead to civil or criminal charges resulting in steep penalties, prison sentences or both. Under New Jersey and federal law, obtaining non-public information leading back to a company insider and acting upon it for monetary gain is illegal. You can...
3 things you should know about tax evasion
The terms "tax evasion" and "tax avoidance" sound like they should be synonymous, but they are actually very different. Tax avoidance refers to using legal means to reduce the amount of taxes you owe. Tax evasion means not reporting all your income, and it is against...