What Type of Sentence Can Someone Expect for a Fraud Offence?

Facing a fraud charge can be scary. The penalties can include fines and imprisonment which can affect your daily life and reputation significantly. If you are dealing with fraud charges but you’re not sure what sentence you may be dealing with, we’ve put together this blog to help explain the consequences and what you can do about it.

Confidence fraud

One example of fraud is confidence fraud, which encompasses charity scams, conspiracy to defraud, and advance fee fraud. People involved in these types of offences are typically charged using the Fraud Act, which gives a maximum sentence of 10 years.

However, you shouldn’t worry too much as this sentence is reserved for the most severe, large-scale fraud cases. In cases where the fraud involved many victims and the amount exceeds £500,000, a sentence of 7 years may be imposed. 4 years is usually given to cases where the value of fraud committed is between  £20,000 and £100,000.

In a one-off confidence fraud with only a single deception, the sentence severity will depend on various factors. It will be down to a judge to consider whether the victim is vulnerable, if they were, the sentence might include a community-based order and 6 months imprisonment. If you are facing confidence fraud charges, we provide fraud representation to help. 

Benefit fraud

These cases involve large-scale, with multiple individuals to small-scale, committed by individuals making false claims for themselves. The sentences received can vary significantly. The maximum sentence for benefit fraud is 10 years for cases charged under the Fraud Act and 7 years for cases charged under the Social Security Administration Act.

Individuals may receive a sentence ranging from 2 to 7 years for cases involving professional and sophisticated benefit fraud groups. However, those found guilty of benefit fraud on an individual basis, with losses below £20,000 usually receive non-custodial punishments.

Banking, insurance and credit card fraud

These types of fraud can include a range of things and are typically prosecuted under the Fraud Act. These often include attempting to secure a mortgage using false information, submitting fraudulent insurance claims or engaging in payment card fraud. They have a maximum sentence of 10 years. 

If the fraud is carried out over an extended period of time, with losses exceeding  £500,000, you could be looking at a sentence of 4 to 7 years. For anything below £100,000, the sentence is likely to be shorter. A criminal fraud solicitor will be able to help fight your case.

If you are seeking fraud legal advice, get in touch with Lefevre Litigation, We offer fraud representation and criminal fraud solicitors to assist with your criminal law case. Get in touch today to discuss how our criminal fraud lawyers can assist you.