PPP Loan Fraud Attorneys in Miami
Starting in 2020, the CARES Act authorized loans to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were intended to help business owners make payroll so they could afford to pay their workers despite being severely limited or completely shut down by lockdown mandates. This is called the Payment Protection Program, which is why the loans are called PPP loans.
While the federal government provides these loans to struggling business owners, it also investigates cases of alleged fraud related to PPP loans. As with any federal criminal charges, a conviction for PPP loan fraud can have serious consequences for your freedom and reputation in South Florida’s business community.
At Beckham Law Firm, we protect people accused of PPP fraud, contact us today.
PPP Loans And Fraud
The Small Business Administration, which administers the Payment Protection Program, is on the lookout for two main types of fraud:
- Someone stealing the identity of a small business owner, receiving a loan in the business’ name and pocketing the money
- Business owners mismanaging or deliberately misusing the funds
Our team of attorneys has more than 60 years of combined experience in state and federal criminal law. We can help and advise you at every stage of your case, from the moment you discover you are under investigation through arrest, interrogation and getting charged. We know where to look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and what to do about them.
Stay In The Know
Protect Yourself And Your Small Business
High-profile claims of PPP fraud can put your reputation on the line, even if you are never convicted or even charged. Working with one of our lawyers can help you settle the accusations against you as quickly and smoothly as possible. You and your partners will be able to focus on business while we work as a team to deliver the most favorable outcome available.
If you are being investigated for alleged PPP loan fraud, you should start preparing your legal strategy as soon as possible.
Contact Beckham Law Firm, at our Miami office to schedule your no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys. Call (786) 244-8010 today.
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"They fought to be sure my side was heard and that I was treated fairly."The Beckham Law Firm has been a tremendous help with my case. I cannot thank their team enough for the time, attention, and understanding with my case. Forever grateful for their help with case. Truly a phenomenal team!- Shannon F.
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"What stood out most was the empathy and communication."I can’t say enough about the professionalism and dedication of The Law Offices of Justin K. Beckham. From day one, they treated my case with genuine care and urgency. Every text and call was answered, every question explained. I always felt heard and supported. Brandon and the entire team fought for me like family and never gave up until we cleared my name. If you ever find yourself needing defense counsel in Miami, this is the firm you want by your side—experienced, relentless, and truly human. I’m forever grateful for their work and for giving me my life back.- Rafael M.
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"The experience with Beckham law firm was excellent."They took great care of me, kept me informed and made me feel secure with the process, as it was my first time having to hire an attorney. 100% satisfied with my experience- Marvin O.
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"Mr. Beckham is real, trustworthy, and more importantly knowledgeable."Mr. Beckham is real, trustworthy, and more importantly knowledgeable. This was my first experience dealing with an attorney and I’m truly thankful I chose him and for all the help him and his associates provided me with.- Ethan M.
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"They were professional and informative."Mr. Beckham and his team were EXCELLENT! They were professional and informative. They walked me through the process and answered all my questions and concerns! And they advised me well! I Highly recommend them!- Nelson F.
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"My case was fixed thanks to their support and commitment."The lawyer represented my case in 2017 my whole case was resolved in the best way, they were very attentive and effective. My case was fixed thanks to your support and commitment. I recommend them to anyone who is in a case like I was.- Mariamelia G.
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"I'm very happy and grateful to have chosen this office to represent me."Wonderful service! Attorney Beckham handled my case very professionally and attentive the entire process. I'm very happy and grateful to have chosen this office to represent me. I recommend his services to anyone in need of an attorney, quality and service will not disappoint. The assistants in the office are very attentive and communicative. Simply amazing!- Sam G.
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"Their level of expertise and understanding of different situations is paramount."
I want to thank Beckham and Solis for guiding through this difficult process. Their level of expertise and understanding of different situations is paramount. I highly recommend hiring this firm as a representative for any case.
- Joel I.
Frequently-Asked QuestionS
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Can you go to jail for PPP loan fraud?Loan fraud related to the PPP program is a crime. If convicted, you would face up to five years in prison, along with a maximum fine of $250,000.
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Who investigates PPP fraud?The U.S. Department of Justice and FBI investigate possible defrauding of the PPP program. In fact, in 2022 the Justice Department created a special department to investigate and prosecute fraud crimes related to the CARES Act and the federal COVID-19 response in general.
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How do you know if you’re under investigation for PPP fraud?Your first indication that you are being investigated could be a request for information or a subpoena from the government. Once this happens, you should contact a defense attorney as possible. Even though you have not yet been formally charged, the fact that you are under investigation means your freedom is under potential threat. You need to navigate the process very carefully to preserve your rights and work toward a positive outcome.
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How does a PPP loan get flagged?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) administered the PPP program and reviewed suspicious applications from business owners. Reasons the SBA might “flag” a loan application and possibly refer it for criminal investigation include:
- The applicant does not appear to be connected to the business they claimed to represent.
- The application contained false information or was missing important details.
- The application fraudulently claimed that the business was eligible for a PPP loan.
- The business seems to have made unauthorized expenditures with its PPP funds, which were supposed to go toward making payroll.
- The business submitted multiple loan applications to several lenders.
Possible signs of one or more of these activities could lead to criminal charges against you and your partners.
