The crime of "scheme to defraud" is a serious and often complex offense that involves the use of communications technology to solicit victims and thereby conceal the identities of the perpetrators. This type of crime is often perpetrated by individuals or groups who use various forms of communication, such as email, text messaging, or social media, to reach out to potential victims and convince them to part with their money or personal information.
At its core, a "scheme to defraud" is a systematic, ongoing course of conduct that is designed to deceive or mislead one or more individuals with the intention of obtaining something of value from them. This can take many different forms, including scams, frauds, and schemes designed to steal money or personal information from unsuspecting victims.
One common example of a "scheme to defraud" is the use of email or text messaging to solicit individuals with offers of fake or fraudulent products or services. These scams often involve the use of personalized sales messages and false promises to convince victims to part with their money or personal information.
Another example of a "scheme to defraud" is the use of social media to spread false or misleading information in order to manipulate public opinion or manipulate stock prices. This type of activity, known as "pump and dump," involves spreading false or misleading information about a company or its products in order to artificially inflate the value of its stock. Once the stock price has been artificially inflated, the perpetrators will sell their shares at a profit, leaving unsuspecting investors holding the bag.
In order to be convicted of a "scheme to defraud," prosecutors must be able to prove that the defendant engaged in a systematic, ongoing course of conduct with the intention of defrauding one or more individuals or obtaining property from them by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises. This means that the prosecution must be able to show that the defendant had a specific plan in place to deceive or mislead the victim and that this plan was carried out over a period of time.
If you have been accused of a "scheme to defraud," it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges against you and develop a defense strategy that is tailored to your unique circumstances.
