What is a characteristic of wire fraud?

Wire fraud is characterized by its ability to be executed electronically, typically through the use of telecommunications or the internet. This type of fraud involves the use of phone calls, emails, or online transactions to deceive individuals or entities into transferring funds or sensitive information under false pretenses. The essence of wire fraud lies in the misuse of electronic communications, which allows perpetrators to operate across distances without the need for physical presence.

This characteristic expands the scope of potential victims and makes detection and prosecution more challenging. In contrast, the other options fail to capture the essence of wire fraud: physical cash transactions are irrelevant, and the fraud applies to both individuals and businesses, while the requirement for face-to-face interaction contradicts the fundamental nature of wire fraud, which is primarily conducted through electronic means.