Fraud involves the false representation of facts, by intentionally withholding essential information or providing false statements to someone to gain something undeserved or unwarranted. Business fraud refers more specifically to illegal activities perpetrated by individuals or companies in a dishonest or unethical way in order to provide an expedient financial gain. Also known as corporate fraud, fraud often is disguised as or couched in legitimate business practices, making it exceptionally difficult to discover. According to the 2020 Report to the Nations from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), business fraud is a global issue, affecting businesses of every size and type worldwide. Organizations that fall prey to fraudsters can respond to it internally, through civil litigation, and by referring the case to law enforcement. In Texas, many types of business fraud are directly covered by Texas law.
Types of Business Fraud
Business fraud often is achieved by exploiting sensitive or confidential information and using that information to maximum advantage for unmerited gain. The 22 specific types of business fraud encompassed by Texas law include the following:
Forgery
Criminal simulation
Trademark Counterfeiting
Stealing or Receiving Stolen Check or Similar Sight Order
Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse
False Statement to Obtain Property or Credit
Hindering Secured Creditors
Fraudulent Transfer of a Motor Vehicle
Credit Card Transaction Record Laundering
Issuance of Bad Check
Deceptive Business Practices
Commercial Bribery
Rigging Publicly Exhibited Contest
Illegal Recruitment of an Athlete
Misapplication of Fiduciary Property or Property of Financial Institution
Securing Execution of Document by Deception
Fraudulent Destruction, Removal, or Concealment of Writing
Simulating Legal Process
Refusal to Execute Release of Fraudulent Lien or Claim
Deceptive Preparation and Marketing of Academic Product
Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information
Fraudulent, Substandard, or Fictitious Degree
Fraudulent actions cause harm to consumers as well as businesses. Individual states have laws that criminalize fraud, as does the federal government; however fraudulent actions may not always be addressed by way of a criminal trial. Perpetrators of fraud who are held criminally accountable for their actions when proven to have engaged in such illicit activity will face severe punishments. But the victims of fraud who want to seek compensation must do so through business litigation. The victims of these crimes must engage the services of a qualified attorney to take the perpetrator to court to achieve the justice they deserve.
Business fraud litigation and all types of commercial litigation cases can be extremely complicated, which makes it exceptionally important to have legal representation in your case from an attorney who is committed to getting you meaningful results. At Reeves Law, the experienced legal team is skilled in business litigation, including business fraud claims. Attorney Brad Reeves understands the business objectives of defense litigation and is committed to using his knowledge and expertise to help his clients reach the best outcome in their cases. If you have questions about how an attorney can help your business deal with legal issues including fraud claims, contact Reeves Law for a free consultation.