Federal criminal law enforcement agencies investigate wire fraud very commonly. Many branches of the Department of Justice investigatory bodies can be involved, such as the FBI, Homeland Security, the IRS, the SEC, the Department of Defense, and more. Investigators can subpoena your private information, including bank, emails, and cell phone records.
The prosecution will use every tool at their disposal to build their case against you, so it is vital to take wire fraud investigations in South Florida seriously. Having an expert legal team in your corner can give you the tools to fight against wire fraud charges. The team at Rossen Law Firm is here for you.
Wire Fraud Investigations Guide
How Does a Wire Fraud Investigation Start?
Fraud investigations related to wire transfers can arise from various sources. One possible way is when particular transactions catch the attention of the bank, and they report it to the law enforcement authorities. Alternatively, an investigation can begin when a regular person files a complaint about being a victim of fraud.
In most cases, wire fraud incidents reported to local authorities are escalated to the federal level. The federal law enforcement agency will then investigate the complaint and try to trace it back to a specific person. They will proceed by issuing subpoenas and obtaining search warrants in order to build a solid case.
Any arm of the Department of Justice can be involved in a South Florida wire fraud investigation. Very commonly, this is the FBI, but our Fort Lauderdale wire fraud attorneys also see cases involving civil or administrative regulatory agencies such as the SEC, the FTC, CFTC, IRS, Medicare, Office of Inspector General, and more.
What Are Investigators Looking For?
When conducting a wire fraud investigation, authorities seek many types of evidence, including witness statements and proof of online activity.
Witnesses
Federal investigators will talk to any witnesses they can identify, including potential co-conspirators who might have been acting with the accused. Investigators will use all angles and talk to anyone who might be a witness, suspect, or target. Anyone who might have relevant information as to whether or not a crime was committed can be identified as a witness.
Evidence of Online Activity
If investigators have gotten a legally valid search warrant signed by a federal magistrate judge or a federal judge, they can monitor an individual’s online presence. There are various ways investigators can do this. Certain warrants allow them to monitor online activity in real-time, which is more commonly known as wiretaps. We see more commonly that investigators will get a subpoena to the accused’s internet service provider for all their internet activity and monitor it that way.
Not all subpoenas are legal. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale wire fraud defense lawyers will explore any violations of the law as it relates to monitoring online activity. If an investigator finds evidence through illegal means, a lawyer can work to suppress the evidence or have it thrown out.
The Importance of Contacting a South Florida Attorney Right Away During a Wire Fraud Investigation
Your most powerful right is the right to remain silent. Giving statements without a lawyer can bolster the government’s case against you.
Never speak to investigators without an attorney present. Immediately hire an attorney who can speak to law enforcement and secure every protection possible. Our award-winning lawyers serving Fort Lauderdale and South Florida have extensive experience handling cases involving wire fraud, and we will fight to protect your rights and your future. To learn more about how we can help you through a wire fraud investigation in South Florida, contact Rossen Law Firm today.