The act known as fraud is one in which a person, an institution or an entity proceeds illegally or incorrectly according to the parameters established with the aim of obtaining some economic or political benefit. There are different types of fraud that are classified according to the scope or procedure they take, but in general all frauds are characterized by incurring lies, inappropriate use of funds, alteration of data, treason, corruption, etc. Frauds can be carried out by individuals as well as by groups or entities.
Fraud is one of the best known forms of corruption that exist in modern societies. One of its main or characteristic elements is the use of lies and deception to obtain some type of benefit. The one who carries out the fraud operates by altering results or data in his favor, in such a way that reality appears as successful for him. In many cases, fraud occurs in a hidden way and nobody knows what happened because it is difficult to find evidence. In other cases, the impunity of those who operate fraudulently allows them to act without qualms because they know that they will not be punished due to arrangements with various spheres of control and power.
Fraud is an important problem because for its realization not only that it is proceeding illegally but also the benefit of the person who carries it out supposes the damage of a third party. Thus, very clear and fairly common cases of fraud are, for example, bank fraud that can lead to the loss of money to third parties, business fraud that can cause institutions to lose power or control over certain activities compared to other benefited companies, or also fraud electoral, the one that happens when the data of a political election are altered, benefiting a candidate and harming the real winner.
As said, in many cases it is difficult and time consuming to detect fraud because there are several elements to take into account. However, as an investigation is carried out, the responsibility of a significant number of people or entities can be found since fraudulent acts are usually very complex and deep.
