If you’re investing in securities, you should know how to avoid commodities fraud. Whether it’s in the stock market or in the agriculture sector, the government is often aggressive in prosecuting these cases. Because of the potential consequences of these crimes, it is important to choose an attorney with experience in fraud defense to protect your investment. Here are some steps you can take to avoid being a victim of commodity fraud. These steps can help you avoid being a victim of this type of crime.
First, learn about commodity fraud. The penalties for these crimes vary. Some of them can carry penalties of up to 25 years in prison or $1 million in fines. Other penalties can be lower. Some companies are exempt from prosecution. The federal government’s Bureau of Investigation says the penalties for committing commodities fraud can be as low as one hundred dollars. But even those fines are still too low for many investors. In addition, a person who commits this crime may be liable for a lawsuit.
The penalties for committing a commodity fraud offense vary depending on the type of crime committed. In most cases, the crimes are prosecuted under the 18 U.S. Code Section 1348, which is dedicated to this kind of illegal activity. The punishment is a maximum of 25 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. In certain cases, however, it is not enough to pay the fine and face jail time. This is because the penalties are based on the value of the commodities that are being sold on the exchange.