Fraud can be simply defined as a deception with the intention of obtaining something or causing loss to another party. Research has shown that the main motivation for fraud is personal greed. The typical fraudster is 36-45 years old, is male and works together with others to commit the fraud. This type of theft occurs everyday in our society and can sometimes take years to uncover.
Just yesterday, federal agents in New Jersey apprehended 14 individuals involved in one of the largest ever fraudulent schemes against the US government. The defendants allegedly attempted to steal $65 million by using stolen identities from Puerto Rico to obtain unlawful tax refunds. They’re now being charged with conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and theft of government property. Officials estimate that the scheme has created $11 million in losses.
This comes on the heals of another case in which seven men from Zimbabwe were caught using hundreds of American’s identities to file false tax returns. The story goes that the men ran a phony tax preparation business for 4 years and used their client’s identities to file for tax refunds. And, today 3 people were sentenced to fraud in Alabama for again setting up a false tax business and benefiting from illegal tax refunds. Their prison terms will be 6 months to 5 ½ years for the kingpin.
Due to their uncontrollable and illegal greed, these perpetrators will most likely spend many years behind bars. If you feel that this is a behavior that entices you, but are looking to overcome it, try taking theft classes online. Courses discuss the impact of this behavior on society, how to understand this disorder, empathy for victims and how to control and stop this behavior. They also review the risks and repercussions of being caught for different kinds of theft. They are an excellent educational tool to use to help prevent the individual from continuing with this lifestyle.
Online theft classes can often be used to fulfill court mandates. If you have already been sentenced and need to take an educational course for retribution purposes, ask the court if they will accept an online class. Many jurisdictions will approve them because of all the benefits they provide the client. Classes can be taken in your own home, at any web-based computer from any of the 50 US states. Programs are easy to follow with a click of the button and do not require much computer knowledge. Look for a good, high-quality course which is designed by a licensed, practicing therapist. Classes can be taken in different lengths from 4 to 16 hours, depending on the court requirement. They are divided up in chapters by topic. A quiz is given at the end of each topic to insure that the client is understanding the material. Upon successfully passing the final exam, a certificate of completion is immediately sent out via US Mail. This certificate proves to the court that the class has been successfully finished. It’s an easier, more relaxed way to fulfill this mandate than having to go to a classroom setting, at a specific time that might interfere with work or school.
