Can a Telemarketing Scam Constitute a Federal Crime?

 Posted on February 03, 2023 in Federal Crimes

For many of us, we have accepted telemarketing scams as an annoying part of life and nothing more. While certainly annoying, you may be surprised to know that such scams are sometimes more serious than they may initially appear. In reality, many telemarketing scams may actually constitute wire fraud, a serious federal crime. If convicted of wire fraud charges, an offender may be subject to extended time in federal prison. 

It is important to understand what constitutes mail and wire fraud, as well as the associated penalties. If you have been charged with telemarketing fraud, do not hesitate to contact an experienced federal crimes defense attorney who will work to ensure your rights remain protected and that a positive outcome in your favor can be pursued in the case.

Understanding Federal Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud Charges

Many tactics used in scam calls are well-known, while others may be less well-known and, thus, more difficult to see through. Regardless of the complexity involved in a scam, these scams are illegal under federal law, no matter if they are perpetrated via the phone, mail, text, or email. In many cases, telemarketing scams are extensively planned with different goals. For example, goals may include trying to lure someone into buying something, participating in a phony business opportunity or investment, or even donating to a bogus charity. In other cases, a telemarketer may pretend they are a family member in dire need of assistance.

The Penalties of Telemarketing Fraud

It is essential to understand that if someone is convicted of telemarketing fraud, their life will likely be impacted in a profoundly negative way. Many variables are involved in telemarketing schemes that affect the associated penalties. For instance, penalties may be contingent upon how aware the person was in the scheme, the amount of financial damage inflicted on the targeted persons, and the age of the persons targeted in the scheme. For example, suppose someone involved in a telemarketing scheme targeted a large number of people older than 60 years of age. In that case, an additional ten years in prison may be added to their base prison sentence. Those convicted may also be required to pay restitution to those impacted by their fraud and, of course, forfeit their unlawfully obtained earnings. 

Contact a Chicago, IL Federal Crimes Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a federal crime related to a telemarketing scam, contact the Chicago, IL, federal crimes defense lawyers with Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney. Call 312-629-0669 for a free consultation. 

Source: 

https://www.justice.gov/archives/jm/criminal-resource-manual-941-18-usc-1343-elements-wire-fraud