Mail fraud is a federal felony in the arena of white-collar crimes. In 2020, Nebraska residents reported 9,072 instances of fraud totaling $13.3 million in losses to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Overall, U.S. consumers reported losing more than $3.3 billion to fraud during 2020. The FTC reported these common types of mail fraud in Nebraska: Imposter scams (e.g., impersonating a relative, such as a grandchild); Prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries; Internet services; Health care; Privacy, data security, and cyber threat; Telephone and mobile services; Business and job opportunities; Travel, vacations, and timeshare plans; and Foreign money offers and fake check

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In today’s electronic world the average person communicates via computer, pays bills on a computer, and counts on a computer for information on everything from travel plans to financial advice. While the electronic age has certainly made life easier in many ways, it has also ushered in a type of criminal – the cyber-criminal. Because the concept of cyber-crime is relatively new, most people know very little about cyber-crimes. For example, are cyber-crimes a federal offense? In order to answer that question it helps to first clarify what is meant by “cyber-crimes.” The definition of “cyber-crime” is extremely broad. Basically,

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In the United States we operate under a federalist system of government, meaning we have a strong central government along with numerous smaller governments in the form of state governments. As a result, an individual can be charged with a criminal offense at the state level, the federal level, or both. Because the U.S. Constitution is the ultimate authority for both the state and federal criminal justice systems there are significant similarities between the two systems; however, there are some differences as well. One aspect of the federal system, for example, that is not found in all state systems is

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Have you ever noticed that you can almost count on someone being charged with, or threatened with charges for, “obstructing justice” on just about every police drama you watch on television or on the big screen? It seems to be the “go to” charge for when a police officer is angry with the individual but cannot charge him/her with an actual crime. Obstruction though is a real crime with real penalties for a conviction. Exactly what is obstruction in Nebraska? It may pay to know in the event you are ever in a situation in real life where an officer

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If you are currently employed by the government in the State of Nebraska, or are considering employment in a government job, it is important that you understand what it means to be a public servant. In the United States, public servants are held to higher standards, in large part because we consider them to be working for the people. In a private sector job, violating a company rule might get you disciplined, even fired, but it will not likely land you in jail. As a public servant, however, conduct that qualifies as official misconduct could lead to criminal charges being

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The United States is, at least in theory, a capitalist, free-market society founded on the concept of fair competition amongst businesses and within industries. To ensure that American businesses, both big and small, have a fair chance to succeed the government sometimes steps in and regulates the marketplace and/or provides oversight to ensure fair dealings. Anti-trust laws, for example, ensure that a single business, or even a conglomeration of businesses, does not monopolize a specific industry or even the marketplace in general. If you are a business owner it is imperative that you have a basic understanding of state and

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Like most people, you have undoubtedly heard of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, more commonly known as the “FBI.” Thanks to their frequent role in Hollywood blockbusters and New York Times bestsellers, you may also have a fairly good idea of what role the FBI plays in the nation’s law enforcement system; however, in the event you are ever made aware that a FBI agent wishes to speak to you, it may be helpful to have a bit more information than what you have learned from movies or books. Specifically, you may wish to know the answer to the most

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