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.
Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena was charged Friday with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 Before Sanders, former Executive Katheryn Shields was accused of wire fraud, but was cleared of the charges. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026 Linares-Rea faces up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count and two years for each identity theft count, prosecutors said. — Doug Myers, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026 Ammons, a six-term legislator, faces federal charges of making a false statement, wire fraud and conspiracy to obstruct justice. — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 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 16 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

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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