Los Angeles COVID Loan Fraud Attorneys

Are You in Need of a COVID Loan Fraud Lawyer?

During the COVID pandemic, the federal government launched emergency relief programs designed to help businesses survive unprecedented financial hardship. Now, federal prosecutors, the FBI, the IRS, the SBA Office of Inspector General, and other agencies are aggressively pursuing allegations involving Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).

If you are under investigation or facing charges related to alleged COVID loan fraud, the stakes are extremely high. Convictions can lead to substantial prison sentences, massive financial penalties, asset forfeiture, and permanent damage to your professional reputation.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, our Los Angeles COVID loan fraud attorneys defend individuals, business owners, executives, and professionals accused of financial crimes and federal fraud offenses.

You may need an experienced COVID loan fraud attorney if:

• Federal agents contacted you about PPP or EIDL loans
• You received a subpoena for banking or business records
• Your business is under audit or investigation
• Prosecutors allege false statements on loan applications
• You are accused of misusing PPP or EIDL funds
• Your bank flagged suspicious transactions
• You are facing wire fraud, bank fraud, or identity theft allegations
• Search warrants were executed at your home or business
• You were indicted or arrested for COVID relief fraud

Why Choose US Over Other COVID Loan Fraud Attorneys in Los Angeles?

Federal investigators can spend months or even years building these cases before charges are filed. They analyze bank records, tax returns, payroll reports, loan applications, emails, text messages, and financial transactions in detail.

Defending against federal fraud cases requires strategic preparation, meticulous analysis, and experienced courtroom advocacy. When your future is on the line, you need a legal team with the experience and resources to challenge aggressive federal prosecutions.

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP is widely recognized for handling sophisticated white-collar criminal cases and high-profile federal investigations. Our attorneys understand both sides of the criminal justice system because several members of our team previously served as prosecutors.

Here’s why so many people have come to trust our firm.

• Former Deputy District Attorneys and former federal prosecutors on our legal team who understand government investigations
• AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, which is their highest rating for ethical standards and legal ability in the profession
• Multiple attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research
• Representation in nationally recognized and high-profile criminal cases involving substantial media attention
• Extensive experience handling white-collar and financial crime matters in state and federal courts
• We offer a collaborative defense approach that provides clients with the strength of an entire legal team focused on results

Under Investigation for COVID Relief Loan Fraud?

Do not speak to federal agents before speaking with a lawyer. Call (213) 688-0460 to learn more today.

What is COVID loan fraud?

COVID loan fraud involves illegally obtaining or misusing emergency financial relief provided by the U.S. government during the pandemic. It primarily centers around two major Small Business Administration (SBA) programs: the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.

The Paycheck Protection Program was designed to help businesses maintain payroll and cover certain operating expenses during the pandemic. EIDL loans provide financial assistance to businesses suffering economic harm caused by COVID disruptions.

Federal authorities allege fraud when they believe individuals intentionally submitted false information, concealed material facts, or improperly used government relief funds.

COVID loan fraud investigations frequently involve allegations of:

• False payroll information
• Fake businesses
• Inflated employee counts
• Misrepresented business revenue
• Fraudulent tax documents
• Identity theft
• Forged records
• Improper loan forgiveness applications
• Personal use of business relief funds

These cases are often prosecuted under federal statutes involving wire fraud, bank fraud, false statements to financial institutions, aggravated identity theft, money laundering, conspiracy, mail fraud, and tax fraud.

Fabricated Businesses

One of the most common allegations in COVID loan fraud cases involves fabricated or nonexistent businesses.

Federal investigators may accuse individuals of:

• Creating fake companies solely to obtain relief funds
• Using shell businesses without legitimate operations
• Submitting fraudulent business licenses or tax records
• Inventing employees or payroll information
• Falsifying operational history

Investigators typically analyze business registration records, tax filings, payroll data, bank activity, websites, marketing materials, and customer records to determine whether a business was legitimate.

Our Los Angeles white collar crime attorneys thoroughly investigate the facts, review supporting documents, and challenge prosecutors' assumptions about the legitimacy of a business or its operations.

Inflated Numbers

Another major category of COVID loan fraud allegations involves claims that applicants exaggerated financial information to secure larger loans.

Prosecutors may allege false representations involving:

• Payroll expenses
• Number of employees
• Business revenue
• Gross income
• Tax liabilities
• Operating expenses
• Business losses

In some situations, inaccurate information may stem from accounting errors, rushed applications, misunderstandings of program requirements, or reliance on third-party preparers rather than intentional fraud.

An experienced COVID loan fraud lawyer can examine whether alleged discrepancies actually support criminal intent or whether they reflect confusion, negligence, or administrative mistakes rather than deliberate fraud.

Identity Theft

Federal prosecutors frequently add identity theft allegations to COVID loan fraud investigations, significantly increasing potential penalties.

Identity theft accusations may involve:

• Using another person’s Social Security number
• Using stolen personal information
• Submitting fraudulent tax documents
• Impersonating business owners
• Filing applications using another company’s identity
• Creating fake employee records

Identity theft allegations may involve misunderstandings, shared business access, bookkeeping errors, unauthorized third-party conduct, or mistaken attribution.

Our legal team carefully examines digital records, communications, application histories, IP data, and financial transactions to challenge identity theft allegations and expose weaknesses in the government’s evidence.

Misuse of Funds

PPP and EIDL funds were subject to strict rules governing how the money could be spent. Federal authorities may pursue fraud allegations if they believe funds were used for unauthorized personal expenses or non-qualifying purposes.

Examples of alleged misuse include:

• Luxury purchases
• Personal vacations
• Gambling
• Real estate purchases
• Cryptocurrency investments
• Personal vehicle purchases
• Nonbusiness transfers
• Excessive cash withdrawals

In some situations, expenditures may have had legitimate business purposes or involved misunderstandings about allowable fund uses. Our attorneys analyze banking records, financial statements, accounting practices, and business operations to challenge oversimplified conclusions presented by investigators.

Federal COVID Loan Fraud Charges Require Immediate Action

Our attorneys defend clients against serious PPP and EIDL fraud investigations throughout Los Angeles—call (213) 688-0460 now.

Effective Legal Defenses Against COVID Loan Fraud Charges

Federal agencies dedicate enormous resources to financial crime investigations. You need a defense team capable of matching that level of preparation and scrutiny. Every COVID loan fraud case is unique, and the most effective defense strategy depends on the facts, evidence, financial records, and circumstances involved.

Lack of Intent

Federal fraud charges generally require proof of intentional deception. Honest mistakes, accounting errors, negligence, or misunderstandings of evolving SBA rules do not, in and of themselves, constitute criminal fraud.

Reliance on Third Parties

Many applicants relied on accountants, payroll providers, consultants, lenders, or financial advisors during the application process. Good faith reliance on professional assistance may undermine allegations of criminal intent.

Inaccurate or Incomplete Investigations

Federal investigators may misinterpret business records, overlook supporting documentation, or make assumptions about transactions without understanding the full financial picture.

Legitimate Business Operations

Businesses accused of being “fake” may have been legitimate startups, independent contractor operations, cash-based businesses, or companies with limited documentation during the pandemic.

Lack of Knowledge

Some individuals were unaware of inaccuracies in applications prepared by employees, consultants, or business partners.

Insufficient Evidence

The government bears the burden of proving fraud beyond a reasonable doubt. Weak documentation, inconsistent witness testimony, and speculative conclusions may create reasonable doubt.

Constitutional Violations

Improper searches, unlawful seizures, or violations of constitutional rights may lead to suppression of evidence and significant challenges to the prosecution’s case.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

I cannot thank him enough. - Allen T. (5-Star Yelp Review)

Mark Werksman is a professional, educated, and articulate lawyer. He goes above and beyond to represent his clients effectively. He is full of wit and quick on his feet. Before I came to Mark, my mind was full of doubt about previous lawyers. One of them even told me there was nothing they could do to help me. Mark managed to settle my case beyond my expectations. He kept me updated with constant positive follow-ups. He stays on top of things and strives to deliver nothing but the best results for all his clients. I felt this every time I spoke with him. Thanks to Mark, the stress and worries are out the window. I cannot thank him enough. There are many lawyers out there. However, rationale, quick thinking, and intellect are rare. Mark meets the criteria for a top-notch lawyer.

Highly recommend!!! -Anonymous (5-Star Avvo Review)

Best attorney to help with my case! He will fight for you all the way. I trusted him and his team to assist me with my case. Will go above and beyond to win and defend you. Highly recommend!!!

Speak With an Experienced COVID Loan Fraud Lawyer Today

COVID loan fraud investigations can threaten your freedom, finances, business, and future. Federal prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, and convictions can carry devastating consequences.

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP represents clients facing serious white-collar criminal investigations and federal fraud charges throughout Los Angeles and across California. Our attorneys are known for handling complex financial crime cases, high-profile criminal matters, and sophisticated federal prosecutions with skill, discretion, and aggressive advocacy.

If you are under investigation or facing charges related to PPP fraud, EIDL fraud, or other COVID relief fraud allegations, contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP today.

Call (213) 688-0460 for a free consultation.

COVID Loan Fraud FAQs

What is COVID loan fraud?

COVID loan fraud generally involves allegations of illegally obtaining or misusing pandemic relief funds through programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.

What are common examples of PPP or EIDL fraud?

Common allegations include submitting false payroll information, inflating employee numbers, creating fake businesses, using stolen identities, filing fraudulent loan applications, or spending relief funds on unauthorized personal expenses.

What should I do if federal agents contact me about a PPP or EIDL investigation?

You should avoid answering questions or providing statements before speaking with an attorney. Federal investigators may use your statements against you later, even if you believe you did nothing wrong.

Can I be charged if my loan application contained inaccurate information?

You could, but inaccuracies alone do not automatically prove criminal fraud. Many applications were submitted during a confusing and rapidly changing period, and mistakes may have resulted from misunderstandings, accounting errors, or reliance on third-party preparers.

What penalties can result from a COVID loan fraud conviction?

Penalties may include prison time, substantial fines, restitution, forfeiture of assets, probation, and permanent damage to your professional and personal reputation.

What if my accountant or consultant prepared the application?

In some cases, applicants relied on accountants, lenders, payroll companies, or consultants to prepare documentation. Good-faith reliance on professional assistance may be an important defense, depending on the circumstances.

How do federal investigators build COVID loan fraud cases?

Investigators often review bank records, tax returns, payroll reports, loan applications, emails, text messages, financial transfers, and business records to identify alleged inconsistencies or suspicious transactions.

Can legitimate businesses still be accused of COVID loan fraud?

Yes. Legitimate businesses may still face investigations if prosecutors believe there were discrepancies in payroll numbers, business revenue, employee counts, or the use of funds. Some cases involve misunderstandings rather than intentional fraud.

How can a Los Angeles COVID loan fraud lawyer help?

An experienced attorney can protect your rights during investigations, review financial records, challenge the government’s evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and develop a strategic defense tailored to your case.

Meet Our COVID Fraud Attorneys

Mark Werksman

Mark Werksman is the founding partner of Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP and one of California’s most respected criminal defense attorneys. With decades of experience handling serious criminal matters in both state and federal courts, Mark is widely recognized for his work in white-collar criminal defense, financial crime litigation, and high-profile felony cases.

Before entering private practice, Mark served as both a Deputy District Attorney and an Assistant United States Attorney. His background as a former prosecutor gives him a deep understanding of how government agencies investigate, prepare, and prosecute criminal cases. He uses that experience to develop strategic and aggressive defenses for individuals facing complex criminal allegations.

Since 1986, Mark has exclusively practiced criminal law, representing clients accused of offenses ranging from federal fraud and financial crimes to violent felonies and other serious criminal charges. Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation for thorough preparation, persuasive advocacy, and strong courtroom performance in challenging and high-stakes cases.

As the founder of Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, Mark leads a team of accomplished criminal defense attorneys known for handling sophisticated and nationally recognized criminal matters throughout California and across the country. Clients benefit from the firm’s collaborative approach, extensive trial experience, and unwavering commitment to protecting their rights, reputations, and futures.

Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson is a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney and partner at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP. Known for his exceptional courtroom ability and strategic trial advocacy, Alan has earned a reputation as one of California’s premier lawyers for high-profile criminal defense and complex litigation.

Before entering private practice, Alan served as a prosecutor with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, where he ultimately became Assistant Head Deputy of the Major Crimes Division. In that role, he supervised and prosecuted some of the most serious and complex criminal cases in Los Angeles County, gaining extensive experience in homicide, financial crimes, public corruption matters, and major felony prosecutions.

With more than 85 jury trials tried to verdict and a career success rate of 96 percent, Alan is widely respected for his trial skill, commanding courtroom presence, and ability to handle high-pressure cases involving substantial media attention. He has represented executives, professionals, celebrities, public figures, and even royal families in nationally recognized criminal matters.

Alan has gained national attention as lead counsel in the internationally followed Karen Read trial, further reinforcing his reputation as one of the country’s most skilled and respected trial attorneys.

Kelly Quinn

Kelly Quinn is a partner at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP and an accomplished criminal defense attorney known for her strategic legal advocacy and extensive experience handling complex criminal matters. She represents clients in sophisticated criminal cases, appeals, writ proceedings, and post-conviction litigation throughout California.

Kelly is a certified specialist in writs and appeals, a distinction that reflects her advanced skill and experience in appellate law and post-conviction advocacy. Her practice focuses on identifying critical legal issues, challenging procedural and constitutional errors, and developing persuasive arguments designed to protect clients’ rights and secure favorable outcomes.

As part of the legal team at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, Kelly works on a wide range of serious criminal matters involving white-collar crimes, financial fraud allegations, violent felonies, and high-profile criminal investigations. Her appellate knowledge also provides valuable strategic insight during the trial phase of criminal cases, helping clients address complex legal issues before they become larger problems on appeal.

Known for her meticulous preparation and detail-oriented approach, Kelly carefully analyzes trial records, legal filings, evidentiary issues, and constitutional questions to build strong, effective legal arguments. She is highly respected for her ability to navigate legally and factually complex cases with precision and professionalism.