Telemarketing Fraud
Telesales Scam Defense Lawyer in Houston: Brazoria, Ft. Bend, Galveston, Harris & Montgomery Counties
While some people may regard telemarketing calls as only a minor annoyance, some large-scale fraud schemes have been perpetrated disguised as telemarketing. Fraud is an activity intended to gain benefit through deceit. Telemarketing fraud can involve any number of scams or deceptions that are carried out under the premise of a normal telemarketing call.
Types of Telesales Fraud
Telesales schemes can take many different forms but most share a common theme: taking advantage of the trust of unsuspecting victims. The targets of these schemes may get a call that seems to be from a legitimate telemarketer, bank or government institution. The fraudster may try to get the victim to divulge personal information over the phone or to send money. Some telephone scams can include:
- Fake charities asking for donations
- Callers posing as bank employees asking for account numbers
- Scammers telling victims they have won a phony lottery or contest
Penalties for Telecommunication Crimes
Because the federal government oversees national telecommunications networks, perpetrating a fraud crime over these networks can be prosecuted as a federal felony offense. As such, the sentences for a conviction can be severe in Houston, Texas.
Telephone scams are usually prosecuted by the Federal Trade Commission in accordance with the United States Sentencing Guidelines. These schemes can be prosecuted as mail fraud and/or wire fraud, with a penalty of five years in prison for each count.
If the fraudsters attempt to hide their stolen money or use a bank, they may be charged with money laundering or financial institution fraud in Houston. These charges can add another 20 to 30 years in prison per count. Additionally, it is common for the government to order that the convicted parties pay restitution for all the money and goods that they stole.
Legal Defenses for Communication Scams
Defense attorneys may be able to negotiate for less severe sentences for defendants charged with communications crimes. For example, if a defendant is held liable for $10,000 in money stolen through a telephone scheme, the defense attorney may be able to have the defendant held liable for only a portion of that amount, resulting in a lighter sentence.
Contact an Outbound Telemarketing Schemes Attorney
The state of Texas has harsh penalties for communication schemes. If you are being accused of committing telesales crimes, then get Greg Tsioros on the phone immediately. Give him a call at (832) 752-5972.