Why Investor and Consumer Fraud Is a Federal Priority
Fraud targeting U.S. investors and consumers undermines the stability of financial markets and the security of individuals. Federal authorities treat these cases with urgency because the victims often include retirees, service members, and ordinary consumers who lack the resources to recover from devastating financial losses.
At Trombley & Hanes, our Tampa criminal defense lawyers understand how aggressively prosecutors pursue allegations of investor and consumer fraud, and we are prepared to defend clients facing these serious accusations.
Ponzi Schemes and Investment Fraud
Ponzi schemes are one of the most well-known forms of investment fraud. They rely on using funds from new investors to pay earlier investors, creating the illusion of profitability. When these schemes inevitably collapse, federal prosecutors move swiftly to file charges.
Investment fraud more broadly may involve misrepresenting financial products, concealing risks, or exaggerating returns to lure unsuspecting investors. These cases often involve allegations of securities fraud, wire fraud, or conspiracy, exposing defendants to lengthy prison sentences and steep financial penalties.
Elder Fraud and Service Member Fraud
Two groups that federal authorities view as especially vulnerable are older Americans and members of the U.S. military. Elder fraud cases often involve allegations of targeting retirees with deceptive investments, fraudulent sweepstakes, or high-pressure sales tactics.
Service member fraud, on the other hand, may include predatory lending, identity theft, or fraudulent investment schemes aimed at active-duty military members. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases because they involve victims who are considered uniquely deserving of protection.
Fraud That Threatens Consumer Health and Safety
Not all fraud is purely financial. Some cases involve allegations that misconduct has compromised the health or safety of consumers. This may include fraudulent medical devices, unsafe dietary supplements, or misrepresented consumer products.
When fraud intersects with public health, penalties can be severe, and prosecutors often add related charges such as wire fraud, mail fraud, and violations of federal safety laws. These cases also tend to attract significant media attention, increasing the reputational risks for defendants.
The Legal Consequences of Fraud Convictions
Convictions for investor and consumer fraud carry harsh penalties under federal law. Defendants may face up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire or mail fraud, as well as substantial fines, restitution orders, and asset forfeiture. Beyond the immediate penalties, reputational damage, civil lawsuits, and regulatory sanctions can have lasting effects on an individual’s career and financial future.
How Trombley & Hanes Defends Against Fraud Allegations
At Trombley & Hanes, our attorneys have more than 110 years of combined legal experience, including backgrounds as federal and state prosecutors. We understand the complexities of financial fraud investigations and the aggressive tactics prosecutors use to build their cases.
Our defense strategies often include:
- Challenging the government’s ability to prove intent to defraud.
- Questioning the reliability of financial records and witness testimony.
- Demonstrating that alleged misrepresentations did not materially affect investors or consumers.
- Protecting clients from parallel civil and regulatory actions.
Contact Our Tampa Federal Defense Lawyers Today
If you are under investigation or have been charged with investor or consumer fraud, the risks to your freedom, finances, and reputation are significant. At Trombley & Hanes, we provide the skill, discretion, and resources needed to defend against these high-stakes allegations.
Call 813-229-7918 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation today.
