Fraud Crimes in Florida
White-collar crimes often include allegations of fraud under various circumstances. If you are under investigation for fraud, contact a criminal defense attorney to discuss your case before speaking with any law enforcement officer or investigator.
Fraud cases can be prosecuted at the state or federal level. At the state level, Chapter 817, F.S., prohibits and punishes various fraudulent acts or practices. In general terms, fraud is the willful act of misrepresenting the truth to someone or concealing an important fact from them to induce that person to act to that other person’s detriment.
Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer at the Sammis Law Firm, P.A., to discuss your case. We represent clients charged with fraud throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County, FL.
Call (813) 250-0500.
Types of Fraud Crimes
The types of fraud cases reported to law enforcement encompass a wide range of circumstances. Examples of fraud crimes prosecuted in Florida include:
Personal injury protection fraud – PIP fraud occurs when a person knowingly presents, or causes to be presented, a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss or injury under the no-fault automobile insurance system, with intent to defraud an insurer.
Credit card fraud – Credit card fraud occurs when a person knowingly uses, forges, counterfeits, alters, or unlawfully possesses a credit or debit card with intent to defraud another of money, property, goods, or services.
Corporate fraud – Corporate fraud occurs when a person, in connection with the formation, management, or operation of a corporation, intentionally makes false entries, misrepresents financial status, or otherwise engages in fraudulent practices for unlawful gain.
Insurance fraud – Insurance fraud occurs when a person knowingly prepares or presents false, incomplete, or misleading information in support of an insurance claim or application, with the intent to obtain coverage, benefits, or payment unlawfully.
Workers’ compensation fraud – Workers’ compensation fraud occurs when a person knowingly makes false or misleading statements in connection with a workers’ compensation claim, premium, or benefit, with intent to unlawfully obtain or deny benefits.
Identity theft fraud – Identity theft fraud occurs when a person willfully uses, or possesses with intent to use, another individual’s personal identifying information without authorization, to obtain money, goods, services, or other benefits unlawfully.
Warranty fraud – Warranty fraud occurs when a person knowingly misrepresents facts, alters products, or submits false claims under warranty agreements, with intent to obtain replacement, repair, or money unlawfully.
Mortgage Fraud – Mortgage fraud occurs when a person knowingly makes any misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission during the mortgage lending process with intent that it be relied upon by a lender or borrower, for unlawful financial gain.
Non-insurance fraud – Non-insurance fraud refers to fraudulent acts committed outside the insurance context, including false pretenses, misrepresentation, or deceit in financial transactions, contracts, or commercial dealings.
Title fraud – Title fraud occurs when a person knowingly forges, alters, or misrepresents ownership documents or title instruments for property or vehicles, with intent to defraud or unlawfully transfer ownership.
EIDL Fraud (Economic Injury Disaster Loan Fraud) – EIDL fraud occurs when a person knowingly makes false statements, misrepresents facts, or uses funds unlawfully in connection with loans made under the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
Unemployment Benefits Fraud – Unemployment benefits fraud occurs when a person knowingly makes false statements, misrepresents facts, or fails to disclose material information in order to obtain unemployment benefits unlawfully.
Medicaid Fraud – Medicaid fraud occurs when a person knowingly makes false statements, claims, or representations in connection with Medicaid services or billing, with intent to obtain unauthorized payments.
Real Estate Fraud – Real estate fraud occurs when a person, in the course of real estate transactions, knowingly misrepresents facts, forges documents, or otherwise engages in fraudulent practices with intent to obtain unlawful financial benefit.
PPP Fraud (Paycheck Protection Program Fraud) – PPP fraud occurs when a person knowingly makes false statements or misuses funds in connection with loans under the federal Paycheck Protection Program, with intent to unlawfully obtain or retain money.
Obtaining a Driver License by Fraud – This offense occurs when a person knowingly uses false information, documentation, or identity in applying for or obtaining a driver license or ID card, with intent to deceive the issuing authority.
Fraudulent ID for Employment – Fraudulent ID for employment occurs when a person knowingly uses or furnishes false identification documents, social security numbers, or personal information to obtain or maintain employment unlawfully.
Motor Vehicle fraud – Motor vehicle fraud occurs when a person knowingly misrepresents ownership, odometer readings, liens, or other material facts related to the sale, transfer, or financing of a motor vehicle, with intent to defraud.
Application fraud – Application fraud occurs when a person knowingly provides false information or omits material facts in an application for insurance, loans, licenses, or benefits, with the intent to deceive the issuing authority or company.
Licensee fraud – Licensee fraud occurs when a person knowingly uses false information or unlawfully obtains, possesses, or displays a driver license, identification card, or related credential with the intent to defraud or misrepresent identity.
Homeowners insurance fraud – Homeowners insurance fraud occurs when a person knowingly submits false claims or misrepresents material facts regarding damage to a residence or property, with the intent to obtain insurance proceeds unlawfully.
Healthcare fraud – Healthcare fraud occurs when a person knowingly makes a false statement, misrepresentation, or fraudulent claim in connection with healthcare benefits, billing, or services, with the intent to obtain unlawful payment or coverage.
Commercial banking and securities fraud – This offense occurs when a person knowingly makes false statements, misuses funds, or engages in deceptive practices involving banks, financial institutions, or securities transactions, with the intent to defraud investors or institutions.
Duplicate entries fraud – Duplicate entries fraud occurs when a person knowingly makes multiple entries, false records, or duplicate filings in official books or ledgers, with intent to deceive or gain unlawful advantage.
Arson for profit – Arson for profit occurs when a person willfully and unlawfully damages a structure by fire or explosion with intent to defraud an insurer or obtain financial gain.
Defrauding an Insurance Company in an Arson Case – This offense occurs when a person commits arson on insured property and then knowingly presents a false claim or misrepresentation to obtain payment from the insurer.
Financial fraud investigations – Financial fraud investigations involve offenses where a person engages in schemes of misrepresentation, false pretenses, or omissions in financial dealings, with the intent to unlawfully obtain money or property.
Disability fraud – Disability fraud occurs when a person knowingly makes false statements or misrepresentations in connection with applications for disability benefits, with intent to unlawfully obtain payments.
Unauthorized entities fraud – Unauthorized entities fraud occurs when a person engages in the business of insurance or financial services without proper authorization, license, or registration, with intent to solicit or collect premiums unlawfully.
Life insurance fraud – Life insurance fraud occurs when a person knowingly submits false applications, misrepresents material facts, or presents fraudulent claims related to a life insurance policy, with intent to obtain unlawful payment.
Marine fraud – Marine fraud occurs when a person knowingly makes false claims or misrepresentations in connection with insurance or ownership of boats, vessels, or marine property, with intent to defraud.
Contact our attorneys to learn more about examples of fraud crimes typically prosecuted in Florida at the state and federal levels. If you are under investigation for any white collar crime, including fraud, contact an experienced attorney at Sammis Law Firm.
We fight aggressively to protect our clients from these serious allegations.
Additional Resources
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation – Insurance Fraud Resources – Visit the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation to find information about insurance fraud, consumer alerts, and regulatory actions against fraudulent entities operating in Florida.
Florida Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division – See the Florida Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for resources on deceptive trade practices, fraud prevention tips, and instructions for filing complaints about fraud and financial scams.
Florida Statutes – Fraud and Deceptive Practices (Chapter 817, Fla. Stat.) – Review Florida’s fraud statutes to read the full legal text covering various types of fraud including credit card fraud, mortgage fraud, and schemes to defraud.
Finding a Lawyer for Fraud Crimes in Hillsborough County, FL
If you are under investigation or have been arrested for fraud-related offenses such as credit card fraud, insurance fraud, identity theft, embezzlement, or a scheme to defraud, then it is critical that you act quickly. Fraud charges often involve complex financial records, electronic communications, and lengthy investigations by law enforcement or state agencies. Prosecutors in Hillsborough County take these crimes seriously, and a conviction can carry severe penalties including prison time, restitution, and long-term damage to your reputation.
The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm focus on defending clients against white-collar crime allegations throughout Tampa and the surrounding areas. We are experienced in challenging the evidence in fraud cases, from forensic accounting reports to digital data seized during searches. Whether you are facing state charges under Florida Statutes or potential federal charges, we can help protect your rights and build a strong defense.
Contact an experienced fraud defense lawyer today. We serve clients in throughout Hillsborough County, Hernando County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Manatee County, and Polk County, FL.
We understand the strategies used by investigators and prosecutors in financial crimes and will fight to protect your freedom and future. Call us today to discuss the facts of your case.
Call 813-250-0500.
This article was last updated on Monday, July 28, 2025.