• Top 1% of Defence Law Firms

  • Defended over 50,000 Cases

  • 5 star google reviews

  • 40 Years of Criminal Law Expertise

Criminal Defence Articles

WHAT HAPPENS FOR A FIRST TIME OFFENCE OF ONLINE FRAUD?

Facing an accusation of online fraud for the first time carries significant legal consequences within the United Kingdom. Online fraud involves the use of internet services or software with internet access to defraud victims or to otherwise take advantage of them; this includes scams that trick individuals into providing personal information or transferring money. This article explores the core elements of online fraud, the usual legal processes, potential sentencing consequences, and avenues for obtaining legal support when dealing with such allegations. Should you find yourself in the unfortunate predicament of being charged with online fraud as a first-time offender, you must grasp the seriousness of the situation and secure the services of a qualified criminal defence solicitor to begin constructing a strong defence.

 

What is the offence of online fraud?

 

In England, the offence of online fraud is broadly covered under the Fraud Act 2006. This Act defines and criminalises various forms of fraudulent activity, including those committed through digital and online mediums. To secure a conviction under the Fraud Act 2006 for an online fraud offence, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

 

  • False Representation (Section 2): The defendant made a false representation, and that representation was knowingly or recklessly false. In the context of online fraud, this could involve presenting false information on a website, in an email, or through social media to deceive the victim.
  • Failure to Disclose Information (Section 3): The defendant failed to disclose information when they were under a legal duty to do so. This could involve not disclosing critical information in an online transaction that would affect the decision-making of the other party.
  • Abuse of Position (Section 4): The defendant occupied a position in which they were expected to safeguard, or not to act against, the financial interests of another person but abused that position. This could involve online scenarios where the defendant exploits a position of trust to commit fraud.

 

For each of these sections, the prosecution must also prove that the defendant’s intention was to make a gain for themselves or another or to cause loss or risk of loss to another. The gain or loss refers to money or property, and the loss includes keeping what one has, not just getting what one doesn’t have.

 

The Fraud Act 2006 is comprehensive and designed to be flexible enough to cover a wide range of fraudulent activities, including those conducted online, thereby addressing the evolving nature of fraud in the digital age.

 

What are some examples of the offence of online fraud?

Here are some examples of online fraud offences:

  • Sending emails pretending to be from reputable companies to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.
  • Using someone else’s identity information to obtain goods, services, or money fraudulently.
  • Convincing victims to make upfront payments for goods, services, or financial gains that do not materialise.
  • Offering fake investment opportunities, leading victims to invest in non-existent or worthless assets.
  • Listing items for sale on online platforms without the intention of providing the goods or services.
  • Feigning romantic intentions towards a victim to gain their affection and then using that goodwill to commit fraud.
  • Using the internet to illicitly access and steal funds from someone’s bank account or to make unauthorised transactions with their credit card.
  • Offering fake loans to extract application fees or personal financial details from applicants.
  • Hacking or spoofing business email accounts to induce employees to transfer funds or reveal sensitive information.
  • Tricking individuals into believing their computer has a virus or technical issue and then charging for unnecessary repair services.

 

What happens if you are accused of the offence of online fraud?

 

If you are accused of online fraud in England, several steps and legal procedures are typically followed. The process can be complex and may vary depending on the specifics of the case, but generally involves the following stages:

 

  • Investigation: The investigation is usually conducted by the police or a specialised agency such as the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) or the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), depending on the scale and nature of the alleged fraud. During this phase, investigators will gather evidence related to the alleged offence, which may include digital evidence, financial records, and witness statements.
  • Interview: If there is sufficient evidence, you may be invited for an interview under caution at a police station or another location. This interview is conducted to give you the opportunity to respond to the allegations. It’s crucial to have legal representation during this interview, as anything you say can be used as evidence in court.
  • Arrest and Charge: Depending on the evidence gathered, you might be arrested for further questioning and formally charged with the offence of online fraud. Being charged means that the police believe there is enough evidence that you committed the offence, and the case will be passed on to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for prosecution.
  • Bail or Released under Investigation: After arrest, you might be released on bail or under investigation while the investigation continues. Bail conditions may be imposed, which could include restrictions on internet use or requirements to report to a police station at regular intervals.
  • Court Proceedings: The case will be brought before a Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing. Depending on the severity and complexity of the offence, the case may be transferred to the Crown Court, where more serious cases are heard. During court proceedings, the prosecution will present evidence to support the charge of online fraud, and the defence will present their case to counter the charges.
  • Trial and Verdict: In the Crown Court, the case will be heard before a judge and jury. The jury will consider the evidence presented and decide on your guilt or innocence. If you are found guilty, the judge will then determine the appropriate sentence based on the severity of the offence and any mitigating factors.
  • Sentencing: Sentences for online fraud can vary widely, from fines and community service to imprisonment, depending on factors such as the amount of money involved, the impact on victims, and whether you have previous convictions.
  • Appeal: If convicted, you have the right to appeal the verdict or sentence if there are grounds to believe that a legal error occurred during the trial.

 

Throughout this process, you must seek legal advice from a solicitor or barrister experienced in fraud cases. They can provide guidance, represent your interests during interviews and court proceedings, and help to build a strong defence on your behalf.

 

What is the sentence for the offence of online fraud?

The sentencing for online fraud in the UK depends on a range of factors and is guided by the Sentencing Council’s guidelines. The severity of the sentence is influenced by aspects such as the amount of money involved, the sophistication of the fraud, the impact on the victims, and the presence of any aggravating or mitigating circumstances.

When determining the sentence for online fraud, the judge considers both aggravating and mitigating factors.

Aggravating factors are elements that make the offence more serious and may lead to a harsher sentence. Examples include:

  • Significant planning or sophistication involved in the fraud.
  • Targeting vulnerable victims or a large number of victims.
  • Causing substantial financial loss or disruption to the victims.
  • Repeated or prolonged fraudulent activity.

Mitigating factors, on the other hand, are elements that may reduce the defendant’s culpability and lead to a more lenient sentence. Examples include:

  • First-time offender or previous good character.
  • Evidence of genuine remorse or attempts to make amends, such as repaying stolen money.
  • Limited involvement in the fraud or acting under duress.
  • Mental health issues or personal circumstances that significantly affected judgement.

The specific sentence will depend on the individual circumstances of the case, and judges have discretion within the guidelines to ensure the sentence is appropriate. Sentences for online fraud can range from community orders and fines for less serious offences to custodial sentences for more serious or high-value frauds. The goal of the sentencing guidelines is to ensure consistency, fairness, and proportionality in sentencing while accommodating the unique factors of each case.

 

Will I go to prison if it is my first time committing the offence of online fraud?

 

Whether a first-time offender will go to prison for committing online fraud depends on several factors, and imprisonment is not an automatic outcome, even for those without prior convictions. The sentencing decision for online fraud takes into account the specifics of the offence, the amount of money involved, the level of deceit or sophistication, the impact on the victims, and the presence of any aggravating or mitigating circumstances.

 

For a first-time offender who has no previous convictions and who shows genuine remorse, has made efforts to make amends, such as repaying the stolen money, or has cooperated with the authorities, the court may consider alternatives to immediate custody. These alternatives could include a community order, a fine, or a suspended sentence, particularly if the offence is deemed less serious or lower in value.

 

Where to get more help

 

If you or someone you care about is being accused of online fraud, obtain professional legal advice and representation without delay. Specialist criminal defence solicitors can offer expert advice, formulate a strong defence approach, and safeguard your rights during the legal proceedings. For a free, confidential consultation, contact Stuart Miller Solicitors at your earliest convenience.

OUR COMMITMENTS TO YOU:

  • Responsive

    A legal expert will consult you within 24 hours of making an enquiry.

  • Empathetic

    We will always treat you with trust, understanding and respect.

  • Specialised

    Your case will be handled by an expert who specialises in your type of offence.

  • Proactive

    We will take early action to end proceedings as soon as it is practically and legally possible to do so.

  • Engaged

    You will be kept updated on your case at all times. We will provide a named contact available to answer your questions.

  • Caring

    We understand this is a difficult and stressful time for you and your family. Our team will support you every step of the way.

  • Tenacious

    We will never give up on your case. We fight tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome.

Google Rating
4.6
Based on 361 reviews
×
js_loader

Further Reading

Emergency?

Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.