Long Beach PPP - EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented government assistance to struggling businesses and employees. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program distributed hundreds of billions in aid. However, amid the rush to provide relief, fraudsters took advantage of the programs. Now, federal prosecutors are cracking down on PPP and EIDL fraud with criminal charges. If you're under investigation or have been charged in Southern California, you need an experienced defense attorney. The Justice Department is aggressively pursuing pandemic fraud cases with coordinated strike forces.

Common Types of PPP and EIDL Fraud

Some of the most common COVID relief frauds include:

• Applying for PPP or EIDL loans for fake, shell, or non-existent businesses
• Using stolen or fake identities to apply for loans or loan forgiveness
• Lying on applications about business revenues, payroll, or number of employees
• Using loan proceeds for unauthorized personal purchases instead of approved business expenses
• Money laundering of loan proceeds
• Falsifying documents and bank records to conceal fraud

These acts can lead to federal charges for wire fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, money laundering, and making false statements. Defendants face steep fines and years in prison if convicted.

Federal Investigations and Charges in Southern California

Federal agencies are coordinating major investigations into pandemic fraud across the country. In Southern California, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida is leading a COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Team targeting the region. Recent cases include:

• A Bal Harbour man charged with wire fraud for allegedly obtaining over $900,000 in PPP and EIDL loans using falsified documents for three companies he controlled.
• A Hallandale Beach man pled guilty to wire fraud and money laundering for a $495,822 PPP loan obtained through false statements.
• A group of eight California defendants charged with seeking $21 million in fraudulent loans and laundering proceeds to purchase luxury items.

These are just a few examples of the pandemic fraud prosecutions underway. Investigators are scouring loan databases and financial records for signs of fraud. If you are contacted or your business records are subpoenaed, you need to consult an attorney immediately.

Skilled Legal Defense for PPP and EIDL Investigations

The government has spent enormous resources investigating pandemic fraud across the country. However, these cases can be complex with nuances in the applications and forgiveness processes. An experienced attorney can analyze the evidence and build an effective defense. At our firm, we have successfully defended clients against financial and fraud allegations in state and federal courts. Our lead attorney is a former prosecutor familiar with the government's approach. We dig deep into the details and take an aggressive stance in negotiations and litigation. If you are being investigated or charged with PPP, EIDL, or other COVID relief fraud, we can help. Call for a free case review. Don't wait as the government is moving swiftly in these cases.

Fighting Fraud Allegations in Long Beach

Our Long Beach office serves clients facing fraud investigations and charges across Southern California. We represent individuals and businesses accused of:

• PPP loan fraud
• EIDL fraud
• SBA loan fraud
• Mortgage fraud
• Real estate fraud
• Identity theft
• Embezzlement
• Tax fraud
• Healthcare fraud
• Insurance fraud

Our skilled lawyers conduct independent investigations, negotiate with prosecutors, and take cases to trial when necessary. If you are under scrutiny in Long Beach or the surrounding region, we can help protect your interests. Don't wait to seek legal counsel if you are contacted about an investigation or charged with fraud. The earlier we get involved, the better positioned we are to build a defense. Call or email now for a free consultation.