Bank Fraud / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1344 is a federal crime that prohibits the use of fraudulent means to obtain money or property owned by a financial institution. This type of fraud can include forging checks, using false statements to obtain a loan or credit, or any other type of deception that results in the wrongful acquisition of funds from a financial institution. Other forms of Bank Fraud include identity theft, bank extortion, money laundering, and wire fraud. All of these activities are punishable under the law and can result in criminal charges, fines, and even prison time.