- Free Consultation: (813) 222-2220 Tap Here to Call Us
FRAU1171 Fraudulent Use of Personal Information
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:
| Investigation Issue | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Cell phone evidence | Investigators may analyze communications and metadata |
| Computer records | Devices may be searched for account activity |
| IP addresses | Internet records can become part of the investigation |
| Financial transactions | Banks and payment providers may be contacted |
| Social media evidence | Screenshots and login records are often reviewed |
| Multiple jurisdictions | State and federal agencies may both investigate |
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:
| Digital Evidence Type | Possible Issues |
|---|---|
| Email records | Shared access or spoofed communications |
| Phone extractions | Incomplete context |
| Browser history | Multiple-user device problems |
| Cloud accounts | Authorization disputes |
| Login histories | Location inaccuracies |
| Banking activity | Misidentification concerns |
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:
| Defense Investigation Focus | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Device ownership | May affect attribution |
| Consent issues | Access may not have been unauthorized |
| Timeline reconstruction | Can expose factual inconsistencies |
| Witness credibility | Statements may conflict |
| Search procedures | Constitutional issues may exist |
| Financial tracing | Transaction assumptions may be flawed |
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
FRAU1171 is a charging code associated with allegations involving fraudulent use of personal information or identity-related offenses referenced on my website. (Law Offices of W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr.) The exact facts of every case are different, and I carefully review the allegations before offering advice tailored to a client’s situation. I do not assume the charging document tells the entire story.
In some investigations, online records become part of the evidence reviewed by law enforcement. That may include account access histories, communications, or transaction records. However, online evidence does not always prove who actually performed the conduct being alleged.
Yes. In my experience, electronic devices frequently become part of fraud and identity investigations. Investigators may attempt to review communications, account activity, and stored information depending on the facts of the case.
I generally recommend that people speak with counsel before answering questions in a criminal investigation. Statements made early in a case can later become important evidence. Every situation is unique, so legal advice should be tailored to the specific circumstances.
Some identity-related investigations may involve federal agencies depending on the allegations and evidence involved. I cannot predict whether any individual case will become federal. That determination depends on facts specific to the investigation.
Not necessarily. Some cases involve disputes about authorization, consent, account access, or who actually used certain information. These factual disputes can become central to the defense.
You should speak with an attorney immediately. Phones, laptops, tablets, and cloud accounts can contain enormous amounts of personal information. Decisions involving searches should never be made casually.
Yes. Digital investigations can sometimes involve shared devices, compromised accounts, spoofed information, or inaccurate assumptions. One of my jobs is to carefully examine whether investigators correctly identified the responsible individual.
Technology-related cases can involve specialized evidence that not every attorney regularly handles. My experience with computer and digital evidence allows me to analyze technical records in ways that may become important to the defense strategy.
Immediately. Early representation can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and avoid mistakes that may later harm your case. Waiting too long can create unnecessary risks.
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.