Fraud is defined as: “wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.” There are all kinds of fraud like credit card fraud, identity fraud/ theft, and disability fraud, to name a few. Fraud is a big problem in the United States, and disability fraud alone saw over 90,000 allegations last year. This issue was brought to our attention by the media reporting on a case of a New York man.
This New York man, John Caltabiano, claimed blindness from a work accident so that he can gain disability benefits. While he did lose sight in one eye from the accident, his other eye was fine. However, he still claimed he could not drive, cook, or even shave without help. He was later caught holding doors open for others, driving and braking in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian, and other questionable acts. Caltabiano was set to receive $1.3 million in benefits. Instead, he is now doing 5 years in prison.
Fraud crimes can be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the case itself, and the defendant’s criminal history. Some are federal crimes. Penalties can be fines and jail or prison time. Many defendants will be offered the opportunity to post bail and get out of jail for the time being.
If you ever need help bailing yourself or a loved one out of jail, the team at Bail Bond Store in Orange County can help you. Our team works quickly to get that bail bond over to the jail so your loved one can be freed. Costs are low, as we only charge the premium, 10% of the full bail, and you are set up on a payment plan.