

Types of Fraud Charges in Texas

Types of Fraud Charges in Texas
Fraud is a broad legal category that covers a range of deceptive practices used to unlawfully obtain money, property, or services. In Texas, both state and federal statutes define and penalize different types of fraud, ranging from digital and financial crimes to medical and real estate-related offenses. This listicle provides a comprehensive breakdown of the most common fraud charges in Texas, complete with cross-references to in-depth articles on each subject.
1. Credit Card Fraud and Debit Card Abuse in Texas
Credit and debit card abuse is addressed under Texas Penal Code § 32.31, which covers unauthorized use, possession of counterfeit cards, and use of fictitious card numbers. These offenses are typically state jail felonies but can escalate depending on victim status (e.g., elderly victims).
Read more in Credit Card Fraud and Debit Card Abuse in Texas.
2. Check Fraud and Forgery Charges Explained
Texas Penal Code § 32.41 criminalizes check fraud, while § 32.21 addresses forgery. Common conduct includes writing checks without sufficient funds, altering check amounts, and forging endorsements or financial documents.
See full details in Check Fraud and Forgery Charges Explained.
3. Insurance Fraud: Types, Penalties, and Common Cases
Insurance fraud under Texas Penal Code § 35.02 includes filing false claims, exaggerating losses, and staging accidents. Penalties escalate based on the value involved and may include federal implications when national insurers are affected.
Explore the nuances in Insurance Fraud: Types, Penalties, and Common Cases.
4. Identity Theft and Identity Fraud in Texas Law
Identity-related fraud is covered by Texas Penal Code § 32.51, which criminalizes the possession or use of another person's identifying information without consent. The number of items involved significantly affects the offense classification.
Dive deeper in Identity Theft and Identity Fraud in Texas Law.
5. Bank Fraud and Wire Fraud Offenses in Texas Courts
Bank fraud often overlaps with federal law, especially under 18 U.S.C. § 1344, while wire fraud is governed by 18 U.S.C. § 1343. These crimes involve deceptive practices that impact financial institutions and use of electronic communication to carry out fraudulent schemes.
For federal and state insights, read Bank Fraud and Wire Fraud Offenses in Texas Courts.
6. Mail Fraud and Federal Prosecution Risks
Mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 involves using postal services to execute a scheme to defraud. It is a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison, or 30 years if a financial institution is involved.
Get the full breakdown in Mail Fraud and Federal Prosecution Risks.
7. Mortgage and Real Estate Fraud in Texas
Real estate and mortgage fraud often involve appraisal manipulation, false income statements, or forged deeds. Prosecution may fall under state fraud laws or federal statutes when the transactions involve federally backed loans.
See recent case studies in Mortgage and Real Estate Fraud in Texas.
8. Medicaid and Government Benefits Fraud
This form of fraud involves making false statements or submitting inaccurate claims to programs like Medicaid or unemployment insurance. The Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act (TMFPA) and federal False Claims Act often apply.
Understand compliance in Medicaid and Government Benefits Fraud.
9. Online Fraud and Cybercrime Charges in Texas
Cybercrimes include hacking, online impersonation, phishing, and digital data breaches. These offenses fall under Chapter 33 of the Texas Penal Code and, in severe cases, can also invoke federal cybersecurity laws.
See digital-era challenges in Online Fraud and Cybercrime Charges in Texas.
10. Employment Application and Resume Fraud: Can It Be Criminal?
Falsifying credentials on a job application or resume may lead to charges under statutes such as Texas Penal Code § 32.21 (Forgery) or § 32.32 (False Statement to Obtain Property). This can apply to forged diplomas, employment histories, and even false licenses.
Learn about employer consequences in Employment Application and Resume Fraud: Can It Be Criminal?.
Final Thoughts
From traditional check fraud to complex digital impersonation schemes, Texas law casts a wide net over fraud-related offenses. Offenders can face misdemeanor charges or, in more serious cases, decades in prison and steep fines. Whether you are under investigation or facing prosecution, securing the right legal counsel is critical.
Walker Law Office offers skilled defense across all fraud categories. With years of experience and deep knowledge of Texas statutes, attorney Mekisha Walker provides strong representation tailored to your case.
Call (713) 228-2611 or visit https://www.walkerlawhouston.com/contact/ to schedule a consultation.

In Texas, using someone else’s credit or debit card without permission—even once—can lead to serious criminal charges. Credit card fraud and debit card abuse are felony offenses under Texas law, and they cover a wide range of activities—from skimming card numbers and making unauthorized purchases to using expired or fictitious cards. Prosecutors often pursue these cases aggressively, especially when they involve multiple victims or larger financial losses. In this post, we explain how Texas defines these crimes, what penalties apply, and what defenses may be available. If you're facing allegations and need a strategic attorney near you, early legal guidance can make all the difference.
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Check fraud and forgery are serious financial crimes in Texas, often charged as felonies with penalties that include steep fines and potential prison time. Whether it involves writing checks on a closed account, altering a check, or signing someone else's name without consent, these offenses are prosecuted under Texas Penal Code §§ 32.21 and 32.41. In this post, we explain what actions constitute check fraud and forgery, how these charges are proven in court, and what defenses may apply. If you’ve been accused and are searching for a knowledgeable attorney near you, understanding the charges is the first step toward protecting your rights and reputation.
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Insurance fraud is aggressively prosecuted in Texas, and it can arise in many forms—from staged car accidents and inflated medical claims to false property loss reports and fake beneficiary information. Under Texas Penal Code § 35.02, knowingly presenting false or misleading information to obtain insurance benefits is a criminal offense that can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the amount involved. In this post, we break down the different types of insurance fraud, the penalties you could face, and real-world examples of how these cases are charged. If you're under investigation or need legal guidance from a trusted attorney near you, acting quickly can be the key to protecting your freedom and your future.
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Identity theft and identity fraud are serious offenses under Texas law, often involving the use of someone else’s personal information—like Social Security numbers, bank account details, or driver’s license data—for financial gain or deception. Prosecuted under Texas Penal Code § 32.51, these crimes can lead to felony charges, especially when multiple victims or large-scale schemes are involved. In this post, we explain how Texas defines identity crimes, the penalties you could face, and what defenses may apply. If you’re being investigated or charged and need a reliable attorney near you, now is the time to protect your rights and reputation.
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Bank fraud and wire fraud are complex white-collar crimes that often involve federal and state prosecution—especially in Texas courts where financial crimes are taken seriously. These offenses can include forging checks, falsifying loan documents, or using electronic communications to carry out schemes to defraud banks or individuals. Under Texas Penal Code and federal statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1343, convictions can lead to hefty fines, restitution, and long prison terms. In this post, we break down how these fraud charges are investigated, what evidence prosecutors rely on, and the legal defenses available. If you're facing allegations and need an experienced attorney near you, early intervention is crucial to building a strong defense.
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Mail fraud is more than just a deceptive letter—it’s a federal crime with serious consequences. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1341, using the U.S. Postal Service or any interstate mail carrier to carry out a fraudulent scheme can result in federal charges, even if no money changed hands. In Texas, individuals accused of mail fraud often face federal prosecution, which means longer investigations, higher penalties, and tougher sentencing guidelines. In this post, we explain how mail fraud is defined, what triggers federal jurisdiction, and what penalties and defenses apply. If you’ve received a target letter or suspect you're under investigation, speak with a skilled attorney near you before your case escalates.
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Mortgage and real estate fraud are serious criminal offenses in Texas, often involving false information on loan applications, forged documents, or deceptive property transactions. These crimes can be committed by buyers, sellers, brokers, or even professionals within the lending industry—and they carry severe consequences under both Texas Penal Code and federal statutes. From house-flipping scams to occupancy fraud and straw buyer schemes, the methods vary, but the penalties often include hefty fines, restitution, and felony charges. In this post, we outline the most common forms of mortgage and real estate fraud in Texas, how these cases are prosecuted, and what legal defenses may apply. If you’re under investigation or facing charges, consulting a seasoned attorney near you is essential to protecting your record and your future.
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Medicaid fraud and government benefits fraud are aggressively investigated and prosecuted in Texas, with both state and federal agencies targeting individuals and businesses accused of misusing public funds. Common examples include billing for services not provided, falsifying eligibility information, and receiving benefits under multiple identities. These offenses are charged under Texas Human Resources Code § 36.02 and can lead to felony convictions, loss of benefits, restitution, and even exclusion from future government programs. In this post, we explain how these cases are built, what penalties apply, and the legal defenses that may help. If you’re under investigation or have been charged, now is the time to contact a qualified attorney near you who understands how to fight back against fraud allegations.
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As technology advances, so do the tactics used in online fraud and cybercrime—and Texas law enforcement is responding with aggressive prosecutions. These crimes range from phishing scams and identity theft to online credit card fraud, hacking, and wire fraud schemes. Under the Texas Penal Code and various federal statutes, cyber offenses can carry serious felony charges, especially when large sums of money, multiple victims, or interstate activity are involved. In this post, we break down how Texas defines cybercrime, how digital evidence is used in court, and what legal defenses may apply. If you’re facing online fraud allegations and need a skilled attorney near you, the right legal strategy can make all the difference.
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Exaggerating on a resume might seem harmless, but in Texas, employment application and resume fraud can cross the line into criminal territory—especially when it involves false credentials, forged documents, or misrepresentations to obtain positions of trust or financial responsibility. Depending on the circumstances, these actions can lead to charges such as fraud, forgery, or even theft by deception. In this post, we explore when resume fraud becomes a crime under Texas law, what penalties may apply, and how employers and prosecutors treat these cases. If you’re under investigation or facing accusations, don’t wait—speak with a knowledgeable attorney near you to understand your rights and your legal options.
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