Fraud in Rhode Island is the use of deliberate deception to obtain an unfair financial or property advantage. Common fraud charges include credit card fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud, bank fraud, check fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, mortgage fraud, securities fraud, and embezzlement. Fraud charges range from misdemeanor (small-dollar amounts) to serious felony (large amounts, organized schemes, multi-victim cases). The specific elements vary by statute but all fraud charges require proof of intent to deceive and proof that the deception caused harm or attempted to cause harm. Federal fraud charges are common when interstate communication or federal programs are involved.
