Update 2026 FRAU1171 Fraudulent Use of Personal Information in Florida

FRAU1171 Fraudulent Use of Personal Information Defense Lawyer in Tampa

Charged with FRAU1171 fraudulent use of personal information in Florida? Tampa defense attorney Casey Ebsary explains defenses and risks.

When clients contact me after being accused of fraudulent use of personal information, they are often overwhelmed, embarrassed, and frightened about what comes next. Many people have never been in trouble before. Others are shocked to learn how aggressively identity-related allegations are investigated in Florida. As a board-certified criminal trial lawyer, I have spent decades defending people facing serious accusations involving fraud, technology, computers, identity issues, and financial investigations.

At the Law Office of W F Casey Ebsary Jr, I represent individuals accused of offenses involving personal identification information, alleged identity theft, internet-based accusations, and fraud-related investigations throughout the Tampa Bay area.

If you or someone you care about has been arrested or is under investigation, contact me immediately through my contact page or review my background on my attorney bio page.

Understanding FRAU1171 Allegations

The offense code FRAU1171 is associated with allegations involving the fraudulent use of personal information. The original version of the page on my website references allegations involving identity theft and unauthorized use of identifying information. (Law Offices of W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr.)

In my experience, these cases frequently involve allegations tied to:

• Credit card applications
• Online account activity
• Financial transactions
• Social media accounts
• Phone or utility accounts
• Employment documentation
• Digital payment systems
• Personal identifying information stored electronically

Every case is different. I never assume the accusation tells the full story. Many investigations begin with incomplete information, mistaken identity, inaccurate digital records, or assumptions made before all evidence is reviewed.

Why These Cases Can Become Extremely Serious

Identity-related accusations often expand quickly. A simple investigation can suddenly involve:

I have handled cases where the allegation itself was only part of the problem. The real issue became how investigators interpreted electronic evidence, digital records, or online activity.

Because I have extensive experience with computer and technology evidence, I understand how prosecutors often attempt to build these cases. I also understand how digital evidence can be misunderstood, misinterpreted, or wrongly attributed to the accused person.

My Approach to Defending Fraud and Identity Allegations

As a board-certified criminal trial expert, I focus on details many lawyers overlook.

When I evaluate a fraudulent use of personal information case, I look closely at:

• Who actually controlled the device?
• Who had access to the account?
• Was consent ever given?
• Can the state prove intent?
• Are records incomplete or misleading?
• Was the evidence properly collected?
• Did investigators jump to conclusions?

In many technology-related cases, investigators assume that the person associated with a device or account must automatically be responsible. Real life is not always that simple.

Shared devices, reused passwords, public Wi-Fi, family access, business systems, spoofing technology, and hacked accounts can create enormous factual disputes.

I do not make promises about outcomes. Every case depends on its specific facts. But I can say with certainty that early intervention by an experienced defense lawyer can matter significantly.

Contact Me Immediately if You Learn You Are Under Investigation

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting too long to obtain counsel.

I have seen situations where individuals:

• Spoke to investigators voluntarily
• Turned over devices without understanding the consequences
• Made statements attempting to “clear things up”
• Communicated with alleged victims directly
• Destroyed potentially important evidence
• Posted about the situation online

If you believe you may be under investigation, I strongly recommend speaking with counsel before answering questions or consenting to searches.

You can reach me directly through the CentralLaw contact page or learn more about my background on my professional bio page.

Common Evidence in Fraudulent Use of Personal Information Cases

Digital Evidence

Modern fraud investigations frequently involve digital evidence. Investigators may review:

I have extensive experience reviewing technical evidence and challenging assumptions tied to electronic investigations.

Financial Evidence

Financial allegations often rely heavily on transaction histories.

Investigators may review:

• Debit card records
• Credit applications
• Payment platforms
• ATM surveillance
• Wire transfers
• Cryptocurrency transactions
• Online purchase histories

Financial evidence is rarely as straightforward as prosecutors claim during the initial stages of a case.

Identity Theft Allegations and Technology

Technology has changed the way fraud investigations are conducted.

Federal authorities and state investigators increasingly focus on:

• Data breaches
• Phishing allegations
• Account takeovers
• Online impersonation
• Unauthorized account access
• Social engineering schemes

Cornell Law School’s Wex legal encyclopedia discusses how internet and computer fraud allegations may involve unauthorized computer access, phishing, misuse of identifying information, and related digital conduct. (Legal Information Institute)

I have handled cases where the technology itself became central to the defense strategy.

The Human Side of Fraud Allegations

Many people assume fraud accusations only involve professional criminals. That is simply not accurate.

Over the years, I have represented:

• College students
• Professionals
• Business owners
• Military members
• Parents
• Retirees
• Individuals with no prior criminal history

Sometimes people are accused after financial hardship, relationship disputes, workplace conflicts, or misunderstandings involving access to information.

No matter the allegation, I treat every client with dignity and discretion.

What I Look for Immediately in These Cases

When I begin working on a fraudulent use of personal information case, I often focus on several early issues:

Technology-based allegations are rarely as simple as they first appear.

Why Experience Matters in Fraud Cases

Not every criminal defense lawyer is comfortable handling digital evidence, online investigations, or technology-heavy prosecutions.

These cases may involve:

• Server logs
• Metadata
• IP addresses
• Cell phone extraction reports
• Cloud storage records
• Encrypted communications
• Multi-agency investigations

I have spent years working with complex technical evidence in criminal cases. That background allows me to understand both the legal and technological sides of an investigation.

Learn more about my experience on my attorney profile page.

Possible Long-Term Consequences of Fraud Allegations

Even an accusation can create serious personal and professional consequences.

Potential concerns may include:

• Employment issues
• Professional licensing concerns
• Financial problems
• Reputation damage
• Immigration consequences
• Security clearance concerns
• Difficulty obtaining housing or loans

Because of these risks, I believe it is critical to address these cases aggressively and strategically from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions About FRAU1171 Cases

Speak With an Experienced Tampa Fraud Defense Attorney

If you are facing allegations involving fraudulent use of personal information, identity theft accusations, or technology-related criminal investigations, I encourage you to contact me as soon as possible.

At the Law Office of W F Casey Ebsary Jr, I bring decades of criminal trial experience and extensive technical knowledge to complex fraud and identity investigations.

You can review my background on my attorney bio page or contact my office directly through the online contact form to discuss your situation privately.

(Law Offices of W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr.)

Original Post from 2011

“uses, or possesses with intent to fraudulently use, personal identification information concerning an individual without first obtaining that individual’s consent, commits the offense”

Identity Theft

If you have been charged with FRAU1171 FRAUDULENT USE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION ( Identity Theft ) you can call a Tampa Identity Theft Defense Attorney at  (813) 222-2220.

Form Code: FRAU1171
Florida Statute: 817.568.2A
Level: Fel (Felony)
Degree: 3rd

Description: FRAUDULENT USE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

FRAU1171 FRAUDULENT USE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION is often charged in Hillsborough County, Florida.

Title XLVI CRIMES
Chapter 817 FRAUDULENT PRACTICES

817.568 Criminal use of personal identification information.

(2)(a) Any person who willfully and without authorization fraudulently uses, or possesses with intent to fraudulently use, personal identification information concerning an individual without first obtaining that individual’s consent, commits the offense of fraudulent use of personal identification information, which is a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.