Fraud in Rhode Island is the use of deliberate deception to obtain money, property, or services from another person. Common state fraud charges include credit card fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud, check fraud, mortgage fraud, securities fraud, and welfare fraud. Federal fraud charges (wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud) apply when interstate communication or federal programs are involved. Penalties scale dramatically with the dollar amount, ranging from misdemeanor for small amounts to multi-decade federal prison sentences for large-scale schemes. Every fraud conviction triggers asset forfeiture, mandatory restitution to victims, and severe employment and licensing consequences.
