Medical billing fraud is a complex and costly issue affecting doctors, patients, health insurers, and the government. Millions of dollars are lost annually, and it drives up insurance costs. Understanding what constitutes fraud is imperative to protecting everyone’s...
White Collar Crimes
Avoiding mortgage fraud
Mortgage fraud is a broad term. It can include activities such as property flipping, identity theft and foreclosure scams. In this post, we describe some of the more common types. How does Missouri law treat mortgage fraud? According to Missouri law, mortgage fraud is...
What is “honest services” fraud?
The term “honest services” fraud may sound vague and quaint. However, it describes what is commonly called bribery or embezzlement. Basically, it involves one party paying a bribe to another party or getting a kickback from them in exchange for receiving something. ...
What types of crimes is the federal RICO Act used to prosecute?
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO Act) was passed in 1970 with the aim of eradicating organized crime. It focuses on “racketeering,” which comes to us from the Prohibition-era phrase, “running rackets.” However, the RICO Act is not limited...
What you should know about environmental law violations
White-collar crimes encompass a broad range of illegal activities that are nonviolent in nature. These crimes include any accusation of a violation of environmental law. Environmental law includes all legislation that is designed to regulate the impact of human...
Possible defenses for money laundering charges
Money laundering is both a state and a federal crime. Therefore, you face severe penalties when being tried for these charges. Here is a look at the top defenses for money laundering charges that can help to protect your rights. Absence of intent to commit the crime...
Understanding corporate fraud
Corporate fraud involves unethical or illegal actions that a company or an individual commits on behalf of the business. This action is usually done to give an undue advantage to the company perpetrating it. Most corporate fraud cases run into millions of dollars....
Everything you need to know about bankruptcy fraud
Bankruptcy fraud occurs when an individual doesn't represent accurate information when filing for bankruptcy. It can also happen when someone files for bankruptcy to deceive creditors. According to Bankruptcy Code, 18 U.S.C, if the U.S Department of Justice finds you...
White-collar vs. blue-collar crime: What separates them in the eyes of the law?
One interesting distinction used by Missouri's legal system exists between the concepts of white-collar and blue-collar offenses. The terms differ not only by the action of the crime but also by the way they get investigated and prosecuted. What is white-collar crime?...
7 common embezzlement defenses
Embezzlement is a form of theft that occurs when a person entrusted with managing or monitoring another person's finances or property steals some or all of the assets for their own gain. For example, an employee diverting a company's funds from the business account...