wire fraud

noun

: fraud committed using a means of electronic communication (such as a telephone or computer)

Examples of wire fraud in a Sentence

He was charged with wire fraud.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Aspiration, which was renamed Catona, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last year and its co-founder, Joseph Sanberg, was recently sentenced to 14 years in prison for wire fraud. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026 The company’s founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin, was charged months later with securities and wire fraud, along with identity theft. — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 9 July 2026 In 2022, Gillum was indicted on federal conspiracy and wire fraud charges for allegedly funneling tens of thousands of dollars in campaign donations through third parties back to himself for personal use. — Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 Cottrell was indicted by US authorities in 2016 for conspiracy to commit money-laundering, wire fraud, blackmail and extortion. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wire fraud

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wire fraud was in 1951

Rhymes for wire fraud

See All Rhymes for wire fraud

Browse Nearby Words

wire fox terrier
wire fraud
wire gauge
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Cite this Entry

“Wire fraud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wire%20fraud. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

wire fraud

see also:
fraud

More from Merriam-Webster on wire fraud

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wire fraud

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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