24/7 call for a free consultation 212-300-5196

AS SEEN ON

EXPERIENCEDTop Rated

YOU MAY HAVE SEEN TODD SPODEK ON THE NETFLIX SHOW
INVENTING ANNA

When you’re facing a federal issue, you need an attorney whose going to be available 24/7 to help you get the results and outcome you need. The value of working with the Spodek Law Group is that we treat each and every client like a member of our family.

Client Testimonials

5

THE BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR.

The BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR!!! Todd changed our lives! He’s not JUST a lawyer representing us for a case. Todd and his office have become Family. When we entered his office in August of 2022, we entered with such anxiety, uncertainty, and so much stress. Honestly we were very lost. My husband and I felt alone. How could a lawyer who didn’t know us, know our family, know our background represents us, When this could change our lives for the next 5-7years that my husband was facing in Federal jail. By the time our free consultation was over with Todd, we left his office at ease. All our questions were answered and we had a sense of relief.

schedule a consultation

Blog

California PPP – SBA – EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers

March 21, 2024 Uncategorized

California PPP – SBA – EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers

The COVID-19 pandemic brought immense hardship for many small businesses in California and across the country. To provide relief, the federal government offered financial assistance through programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. While these programs were a lifeline for struggling companies, some business owners are now facing allegations of fraud related to obtaining these loans.

If you are being investigated or charged for potential PPP or EIDL fraud in California, it is critical to have an experienced defense lawyer on your side. This article will provide an overview of these loan programs, typical fraud allegations, viable defenses, and tips on finding the right attorney.

Overview of PPP and EIDL Programs

The PPP and EIDL programs were created in 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help businesses impacted by the pandemic.

  • PPP offered potentially forgivable loans to help companies retain employees and cover expenses like payroll, rent, and utilities.
  • EIDL provided low-interest loans for working capital and normal operating costs.

With billions of dollars being rapidly distributed through these new programs, fraud was unfortunately inevitable. The Department of Justice is aggressively pursuing PPP and EIDL fraud cases across California. In the Central District alone, federal prosecutors have charged multiple defendants with millions in alleged pandemic relief fraud.

The penalties can be severe, including multi-year prison sentences and orders to repay all funds obtained. For business owners facing accusations, the stakes are incredibly high.

Common Allegations in PPP and EIDL Fraud Cases

There are a variety of ways prosecutors can allege fraud relating to PPP loans, EIDL loans, or both. Some common allegations include:

  • Submitting false or misleading information on loan applications regarding number of employees, payroll expenses, cost of goods sold, or other figures used to calculate loan amounts.
  • Using PPP funds for unauthorized purposes instead of allowable expenditures like payroll, rent, utilities, etc.
  • Failing to accurately report revenue and expenses when applying for loan forgiveness.
  • Applying for and receiving multiple PPP and/or EIDL loans for the same business expenses.
  • Applying for loans under multiple business names or on behalf of defunct, non-operational, or sham businesses.
  • Colluding with lenders, brokers, or insiders to obtain loans the business was not qualified to receive.

The government does not need to prove intent to defraud. Even accidental misstatements or misunderstandings of program rules can lead to criminal charges.

Viable Defenses Against PPP and EIDL Fraud Allegations

Given the complexity of the PPP and EIDL programs and speed with which loans were distributed, there are often viable defenses in fraud cases. A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate if any of these may apply:

  • Lack of intent – There is no evidence you deliberately tried to mislead lenders or misuse funds. Innocent mistakes happen.
  • Ambiguous program rules – PPP and EIDL policies were unclear or changed frequently. You may have misunderstood how to calculate figures or use funds appropriately.
  • Lender errors – The lender made mistakes in processing your application or failed to provide clear guidance.
  • Selective prosecution – You may have been unfairly targeted for investigation compared to other loan recipients.

An experienced federal fraud defense attorney can analyze the facts of your case to determine the strongest defenses. Viable defenses combined with effective negotiation by your lawyer can potentially lead to reduced charges or even avoidance of criminal prosecution altogether.

Why Hiring a Lawyer is Crucial

Attempting to navigate PPP or EIDL fraud accusations without an attorney is extremely unwise. These are complex cases with harsh potential penalties. A knowledgeable federal defense lawyer has the skills and experience to protect your rights:

  • They understand the intricate PPP and EIDL program rules and typical fraud allegations.
  • They can convince prosecutors weaknesses in evidence or viable defenses should prevent charges from being filed.

Hiring an attorney early when you learn you are under investigation is ideal. Involving counsel immediately can sometimes resolve matters quickly before charges are even filed.

Selecting the Right Fraud Defense Attorney

Choosing the right lawyer is crucial when facing federal fraud accusations that could result in prison time, heavy fines, and other serious consequences. Key credentials to seek in a PPP/EIDL fraud defense lawyer include:

  • Extensive experience defending white collar and financial crime cases in California’s federal courts
  • Familiarity with PPP and EIDL program rules and fraud case specifics
  • Track record getting charges dismissed pre-trial and negotiating favorable outcomes
  • Resources to handle complex cases requiring thorough investigation and analysis
  • Strong communication skills to build trust and keep you informed

When your business, livelihood, freedom, and reputation are on the line, you need an accomplished federal defense lawyer in your corner. Do not leave the fate of your case to chance. Consult with a top-rated PPP/EIDL fraud attorney as soon as possible.

The Scope of PPP and EIDL Fraud

While the PPP and EIDL programs provided desperately needed relief for millions of small businesses during COVID-19, they were also exploited by fraudsters on a massive scale.

Experts estimate that over $100 billion was stolen through fraudulent loans, making it one of the largest frauds in generations. Lax oversight and rushed distribution enabled this epidemic of cheating.

Massive Scale of Estimated Fraud

  • The SBA Inspector General estimates over $100 billion in potentially fraudulent EIDL and PPP loans were issued.
  • Independent analyses estimate $117 billion in suspicious PPP loans alone.
  • At minimum, 17% of all COVID relief funds appear to have gone to fraudsters.

The Justice Department will likely be prosecuting PPP and EIDL fraud cases for years given the huge sums stolen.

Common PPP and EIDL Fraud Schemes

Fraudsters took advantage of the rushed PPP and EIDL programs through tactics like:

  • Identity theft – Criminals used stolen personal information to apply for loans.
  • Fake businesses – Scammers fabricated business information like employees and payroll.
  • Multiple applications – Fraudsters applied for multiple loans under different business names.
  • Misuse of funds – Business owners spent loan money on personal costs instead of approved business expenses.

These schemes exploited the lack of verification and oversight in the hastily launched pandemic loan programs.

Lack of Safeguards and Oversight

Several factors enabled widespread PPP and EIDL fraud:

  • Minimal auditing of applications – Less than 0.2% received detailed SBA review.
  • Rushed launch without proper controls.
  • Desperate times – businesses hurting badly needed help.
  • Hundreds of billions available.
  • Loans forgivable if used properly.
  • Little vetting of applications or verification of information provided.

While oversight later increased, the damage was already done by the time improvements were implemented.

Federal Investigations and Charges

If federal agents suspect you of PPP or EIDL fraud, they will aggressively investigate using intimidating tactics:

  • Questioning you at your home or business without warning
  • Demanding financial records and trying to search your premises
  • Issuing subpoenas for documents
  • Having people secretly record conversations with you
  • Threatening immediate arrest if you do not cooperate

It is terrifying facing this alone. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Be polite but say you won’t answer questions without counsel. Call a lawyer immediately.

Preparing an Effective Defense Strategy

An experienced lawyer can guide you on properly responding to investigators. They may also be able to negotiate with prosecutors before charges are filed, potentially resolving the case without criminal penalties.

If you are charged, your lawyer will build the strongest possible defense based on the specifics of your case. Strategies may include:

  • Arguing you had no intent to defraud and used funds properly
  • Attacking flaws in the investigation
  • Asserting confusing program rules led to misunderstandings
  • Highlighting lender errors in processing your application
  • Claiming unfair selective prosecution compared to other recipients

Your lawyer’s in-depth understanding of PPP and EIDL rules, typical fraud allegations, and federal court procedures will be crucial to fighting the charges.

Finding the Right Fraud Defense Lawyer

Choosing the attorney who will handle your fraud case is critical. Here are tips on what to look for:

  • Specialization defending federal white collar and financial crime cases – This is a niche area of law requiring specialized skills and experience.
  • Knowledge of PPP and EIDL programs – Find someone already familiar with these loans and fraud issues versus learning on the fly.
  • Track record of favorable outcomes – Aim for a lawyer with a proven ability to get charges dismissed pre-trial, keep defendants out of prison, and negotiate lenient sentences.
  • Resources to handle complex cases – Fraud defense requires substantial investigation, forensic accounting, and legal analysis. Make sure they have the bandwidth to vigorously defend you.
  • Communication skills – You’ll be working closely together under stressful circumstances, so make sure you connect well with and can trust your attorney.

Vet any lawyer thoroughly before hiring them. Your freedom and livelihood depend on choosing the right advocate.

Staying Calm and Taking Action

Getting accused of PPP or EIDL fraud is terrifying. But focus on taking the right steps:

  • Don’t panic – An experienced lawyer can help you get through this.
  • Don’t talk to investigators without counsel – Anything you say can be used against you.
  • Hire a lawyer immediately – The sooner you involve an attorney, the better. They can potentially resolve the case quickly before charges are filed.
  • Vet attorneys thoroughly – Choose someone highly experienced with PPP and EIDL cases specifically.
  • Follow your lawyer’s advice – Listen to their guidance on responding to investigators and fighting allegations.
  • Be patient – These complex cases take time to resolve. Trust your lawyer’s strategy.

Facing federal fraud accusations is daunting. But with an accomplished white collar defense lawyer guiding you, the legal process can be navigated and your rights protected. Do not go it alone. Consult with a top-rated fraud attorney as soon as possible for help responding to investigators and building your strongest defense.

Lawyers You Can Trust

Todd Spodek

Founding Partner

view profile

RALPH P. FRANCHO, JR

Associate

view profile

JEREMY FEIGENBAUM

Associate Attorney

view profile

ELIZABETH GARVEY

Associate

view profile

CLAIRE BANKS

Associate

view profile

RAJESH BARUA

Of-Counsel

view profile

CHAD LEWIN

Of-Counsel

view profile

Criminal Defense Lawyers Trusted By the Media

schedule a consultation
Schedule Your Consultation Now