Wire fraud is a type of fraud that involves the use of some form of telecommunications or the internet, such as a phone call, fax, email, text, or social media, to defraud another person or entity out of money, property, or services. It is a federal crime in the United States that carries a sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for organizations. The necessary elements required to constitute an act as wire fraud are as follows:

• The defendant voluntarily and intentionally devised or participated in a scheme to defraud another out of money.
• The defendant did so with the intent to defraud.
• It was reasonably foreseeable that interstate wire communications would be used.
• Interstate wire communications were in fact used.

Wire fraud can take many forms, including telemarketing schemes, online phishing scams, and the Nigerian prince scam. Wire fraud is different from mail fraud in that wire fraud involves the use of electronic communications, while mail fraud involves the use of physical mail. It is important to note that someone does not have to follow through with wire fraud to be convicted, as long as there is sufficient evidence to prove intent.