A recent incident in Hingham demonstrates how sophisticated online and telephone scams can be — and how quickly a fraud investigation can involve substantial amounts of money. According to Hingham Police, a 43-year-old resident reported in August 2026 that she received an unsolicited telephone call from someone claiming to work in the fraud department of her local bank. The caller told her that someone had attempted to impersonate her at the bank and that her account was compromised.
The following morning, the caller allegedly instructed the woman to go to her bank while remaining on the phone and transfer her money into what was described as a “new safe account.” The woman transferred $56,000 using account information supplied by the caller. According to police, after becoming suspicious several hours later, she contacted her actual bank and learned that she had been scammed. Hingham Police reported that the incident was under investigation.
What Criminal Charges Can Result From an Online Scam?
Individuals suspected of participating in scams involving telephone calls, email, websites, electronic payments or bank transfers can potentially face serious state or federal criminal charges. The particular charges depend on how the alleged scheme operated, the amount of money involved, the identities of the alleged victims, and the role prosecutors believe each participant played.
Wire fraud is one of the most significant federal charges that can arise from an alleged online or electronic fraud scheme. Prosecutors may bring wire fraud charges when they allege that someone intentionally participated in a scheme to defraud and used interstate electronic communications in furtherance of that scheme. Emails, telephone communications and electronic transfers can potentially become part of a federal wire fraud investigation. A federal wire fraud conviction can carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison in many cases.
Bank fraud may also be charged when an alleged scheme is directed at a federally insured financial institution or involves obtaining money or property under the custody or control of a bank through fraudulent representations. Bank fraud is an especially serious federal offense and can carry a maximum prison sentence of up to 30 years.
Identity theft and aggravated identity theft may become part of a prosecution when an alleged scam involves another person’s identifying information. This can include names, Social Security numbers, bank account information or fraudulent identification documents. Aggravated identity theft is particularly significant because a conviction can result in a mandatory two-year prison term that is served consecutively to the sentence for certain underlying felony offenses.
Money laundering and conspiracy charges can further increase the complexity of a fraud case. Prosecutors may investigate where allegedly stolen money was sent, whether it moved through multiple accounts, who controlled those accounts, and whether transactions were designed to conceal the source or ownership of the proceeds. A person does not necessarily have to be accused of personally making the fraudulent call or sending the original message to become part of a broader investigation. Prosecutors may instead allege that someone knowingly helped receive, transfer, withdraw or conceal proceeds or participated in a conspiracy with others.
Online Fraud Cases Can Become Complex Federal Investigations
A person accused of participating in a scam may therefore face several charges arising from the same alleged course of conduct. Recent Massachusetts federal cases demonstrate this possibility. Defendants accused of schemes involving banks and stolen customer information have faced charges including bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, money laundering conspiracy and aggravated identity theft.
These investigations can involve substantial amounts of digital and financial evidence. Investigators may examine bank records, wire transfers, emails, text messages, telephone records, IP addresses, electronic devices, surveillance footage and communications among alleged participants. A major issue can also be determining the role and knowledge of each individual involved. Receiving money, allowing someone to use an account, or communicating with another person connected to an investigation does not by itself answer the critical question of whether the government can prove that an individual knowingly and intentionally participated in a fraudulent scheme.
Defending Fraud and Wire Fraud Charges in Massachusetts
If you learn that you are the target of a fraud investigation — or have already been arrested or charged — obtaining experienced criminal defense counsel early can be important. Fraud cases can become complicated quickly, particularly when federal investigators are involved or prosecutors allege that multiple individuals participated in a larger scheme. An attorney can examine the government’s evidence, the defendant’s alleged role, whether the government can establish fraudulent intent, and whether statements, searches or electronic evidence can be challenged.
Attorney Frank O’Brien has more than 30 years of criminal defense experience and has represented clients accused of fraud, wire fraud and other serious criminal offenses. When a fraud investigation involves complex financial transactions, electronic communications or allegations involving multiple participants, an experienced criminal defense attorney can carefully examine the government’s theory of the case and work to protect the accused person’s rights throughout the investigation and prosecution.