Erie PA Bank Fraud Lawyer

Erie PA Bank Fraud Attorney

If you are facing bank fraud charges, you may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious about the future. Navigating the legal system can be difficult, but you do not have to do it alone. For people charged with bank fraud in the Erie area, the first thing to do is consult an experienced Erie bank fraud lawyer.

About the Levenson Law Firm

At the Levenson Law Firm, we are committed to helping our clients secure positive outcomes for their futures. Our principal attorney, Amy B. Levenson Jones, has provided legal counsel for her clients for over twenty years.

Our office is located on Forward Avenue in Pittsburgh, making it convenient for our clients to stop by to discuss their case. We know our clients have unique circumstances, so our Erie criminal defense attorneys approach each case with the individual care and attention it deserves.

What is Bank Fraud?

Fraud is a major issue in the U.S. today, especially with the increase in digital banking. As the amount of online data increases, the likelihood of data breaches and hacking does too. In 2024, fraud-related losses for U.S. consumers topped $12.5 billion.

Bank fraud is a broad legal term that encompasses a wide range of offenses. In short, fraud is an attempt to secure money or assets from a financial institution or its members through deceptive means.

Some offenses that count as bank fraud include:

• Identity theft. This is the use of someone else’s name, social security number, and other identifying information to take out credit under that person’s name. It is done without the victim’s knowledge or permission and without the intention of paying it back. In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission reported 1.4 million cases of identity theft.
• Phishing scams. Phishing is an ever-increasing problem in the digital world. In a phishing scam, a person writes an email, text, or letter to look like it is coming from a financial institution. That message is then sent to actual customers to obtain sensitive information like passwords, social security numbers, or account numbers.
• Wire transfer fraud. This is a scheme in which someone impersonates another person or company to request payment from individuals via wire transfer. People may do this through methods like social media messaging or email.
• Loan fraud. In some cases, the perpetrator applies for a loan using a false identity or inflated income information. After they receive the money, they have no intention of paying it back.
• Insider fraud. Some bank employees have access to cash, online systems, or sensitive information. It is possible to steal from customers, embezzle, or otherwise defraud the bank using existing account or system information.

What Are the Possible Consequences of Bank Fraud?

The penalties for bank fraud vary based on the particular kind of offense, the amount of money in question, and the defendant’s previous criminal record. Since there are so many factors at play, it is not possible to list every potential penalty for bank fraud. However, identity theft is a good example to start with.

According to Title 18, Section 4120 of the Pennsylvania State Code, identity theft is a first-degree misdemeanor if the amount of money in question is less than $2,000. A first-degree misdemeanor often does not result in jail time.

However, if the amount of money in question is more than $2,000, the charge becomes a third-degree felony. This carries a prison sentence of 3.5 years or longer.

Why You Should Hire a Bank Fraud Lawyer

If you have been charged with bank fraud, the very first thing you should do is hire an bank fraud lawyer. Your attorney can help you understand the fraud charges against you and build a compelling defense case. The Erie fraud lawyer can review any documentation you have, listen to your side of the story, and make sure the court sees you in a fair light.

For many criminal defense cases, hiring an experienced lawyer can be the difference between a harsh sentence and a lenient one, or even an acquittal. Sometimes people hesitate to hire an attorney because they think doing so is an admission of guilt, but that could not be further from the truth.

The legal system is not designed for easy navigation. You need extensive legal knowledge to show up confidently in court. Since bank fraud cases are often considered to be federal charges, your cases might be tried in the U.S. District Court in Erie on South Park Row.

FAQs

Can I File a Claim Against an Individual for Identity Theft in Pennsylvania?

Yes, you can file a claim against an individual for identity theft in Pennsylvania. Identity theft is a criminal offense. If there is evidence of this crime, the state of Pennsylvania will pursue criminal charges. However, the victim can also file a civil claim against the perpetrator to recover damages from the identity theft.

How Much Does a Bank Fraud Lawyer Cost in Pennsylvania?

The cost to hire a bank fraud lawyer varies widely based on the individual lawyer and the circumstances of the case. More complex, time-consuming cases naturally lead to higher attorney fees. Most lawyers can begin working with a client once a retainer has been paid. This initial fee secures the lawyer’s services, and actual work hours are billed from the deposit.

Is Stealing a Credit Card Considered Bank Fraud?

Yes, stealing a credit card does fall under the category of bank fraud. This is true whether it is a physical card or digitized card information. In recent years, people have been stealing credit card information using card skimmers. Card skimmers are devices made to look like a regular card reader, but they capture and save credit card information.

Is Taking Over Someone’s Bank Account Considered Bank Fraud?

Yes, taking over someone’s bank account and completing transactions or moving money around does constitute bank fraud. This is often a follow-up to phishing, in which victims are tricked into giving out their account numbers, passwords, or other account information. The person committing the fraud then logs into the bank account and completes transactions as if they were the victim.

Contact the Levenson Law Firm Today

If you have been charged with bank fraud in the Erie area, the Levenson Law Firm is here to help you defend your reputation and your future. Our Erie bank fraud attorney can work with you every step of the way. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case.