18 U.S.C. § 1343 – Fraud by wire, radio, or television (wire fraud)
This law makes it a federal crime to carry out a fraud scheme using electronic or interstate communications such as emails, phone calls, texts, or online transmissions.
Section 1343 is the federal wire fraud statute. It applies when someone carries out, or attempts to carry out, a scheme to defraud and uses electronic communications that cross state or international lines. In modern cases, this most often involves emails, phone calls, text messages, online messages, or electronic transfers.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly:
- Devise or participate in a scheme to defraud or to obtain money or property through false or misleading statements.
- Use electronic communications such as email, phone calls, text messages, internet communications, or other wire transmissions.
- Transmit or cause transmissions to occur across state lines or between countries in order to advance the fraud.
The communication itself does not have to contain the lie. It only needs to be used as part of carrying out or attempting to carry out the fraudulent scheme.
Penalties.
Wire fraud is a serious federal felony. Convictions can result in:
- up to 20 years in federal prison,
- substantial fines, and
- restitution to alleged victims.
Penalties can increase significantly if the fraud affects a financial institution or involves disaster relief, emergency funds, or other federally protected programs.
If you are facing allegations involving wire fraud or electronic communications, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to discuss your situation.
