Florida is the land of opportunity, including for fraudsters and scammers looking to swindle people and businesses. At Gonzalez Law, each Miami fraud attorney at our firm helps clients take action to protect their rights, go after fraudsters, and recoup money lost in deceptive schemes.
Fraud generally refers to any deceitful practice that results in physical or, more often, financial harm. It covers a wide range of criminal activities that rip off people or businesses, like internet phishing scams, investment pyramid schemes, and identity theft.
If you have been targeted by fraud, you are not alone. People, businesses, and organizations in the U.S. report losing as much as $10 billion per year to fraudulent scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
The good news is that we can help you fight back. Our attorneys have extensive experience helping individuals, families, and businesses protect their legal rights.
How Fraud Works
Fraud comes in many different forms. What the schemes typically have in common is that they intentionally use deception to obtain something of value or otherwise to deprive a person or entity of their legal rights.
Fraud is treated as a crime in Florida and under federal laws, with potential steep monetary penalties and long stretches behind bars for anyone convicted of an offense. Fraud victims also separately have the right to pursue civil litigation against perpetrators and anyone whose negligence contributed to the scam.
Consumer Fraud
Consumer fraud is increasingly being perpetrated through electronic means, including through email and online.
Anyone can be victimized, but scammers often set their sights on certain people who they think may be particularly susceptible. People with high levels of debt and who are new to a certain line of business may find themselves in the crosshairs. Fraudsters also tend to prey on older consumers through email phishing expeditions and bogus phone calls designed to dupe senior citizens into turning over credit card or other sensitive information.
Here are the most common scams reported to the FTC:
- Impostor: Scammers falsely claim to be affiliated with a well-known company, financial institution, or government agency. They often demand a fee for a supposed unpaid bill or tax debt.
- Online shopping: Phony retailers offering to sell items at prices that are too good to be true because they are not true.
- Prizes and sweepstakes: “Congratulations! Now give us your banking and personal information.”
- Investments: Be wary of unexpected emails from people that you do not know offering unbelievable returns on loans and investments.
- Business and job opportunities: Another common way to lure people in is by posing as recruiters for well-known companies and dangling offers that do not exist.
It is vital that anyone who believes they have been targeted by scammers to report it. A Miami fraud attorney at our firm can help you take action.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is another common form of fraud that can occur in several different ways. It occurs when someone uses your personal information without your consent.
The types of information that fraudsters steal and use for their own benefit include:
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers
- Social Security Numbers
- Credit cards and bank accounts
- Medical insurance accounts
When scammers get their hands on this information, they may use it to rack up huge debts in your name. Untangling the results of identity theft, like getting debts resolved and clearing up credit reports, can be a complicated process. You do not need to go it alone.
A fraud attorney at our firm can help you get your identity back and take action against those responsible for stealing it. That includes going after scammers and anyone whose negligence is responsible for your personal information being made available to them. We can also help you ensure that credit bureaus correct inaccuracies in your credit report.
Mortgage Fraud
Sadly, Florida is a hot spot for mortgage fraud, and Miami-Dade County is the epicenter.
Homes are often the large purchases that people and families make. Those struggling to keep up with mortgage payments are targeted by fraudsters in loan modification, equity skimming, and foreclosure scams.
Business Fraud
Businesses can be attractive targets for scammers because of their significant resources and multiple points of entry. When scams are effective, they harm not only a company’s bottom line but also put a business’ reputation and relationships with customers and partners at risk.
Fraud threats may come from inside and outside a company. Current and former employees and business partners are often the sources of fraud aimed at companies. Those who are involved in corporate transactions or with access to sensitive information pose a heightened risk.
Some of the most common forms of business fraud include:
- Misuse of company property
- Payroll scams
- Healthcare fraud
- Embezzlement
- Phony invoices
Even a relatively run-of-the-mill instance of fraud can do significant damage, especially for small- and medium-sized companies. A few thousand dollars here and there can make or break those businesses.
One of the problems with fraud is it can be difficult to detect and even harder to confirm. Any company or individual that suspects they are being targeted should seek the advice of an experienced attorney.
Fighting Back Against Fraud
Fortunately, there is an array of legal tools that companies can use to go after fraudsters.
Our fraud attorneys can help you perform internal investigations, pursue civil lawsuits, and seek criminal prosecution against anyone who defrauds you or your business. We can also help you implement company controls to reduce the risk of fraud and limit deceitful behavior’s potential impact.
The earlier you spot potential fraud and consult an experienced attorney, the sooner you can take legal action to stop the fraud, punish wrongdoers, and recoup related losses.
Speak With a Miami Fraud Attorney at Our Firm
If you are grappling with ongoing fraud or simply want to ensure you are appropriately protecting your company from deception, Gonzalez Law can help.
Our office is conveniently located in Miami, and we are proud to serve clients across South Florida. Call us at 305-676-6677 or contact us online to speak with a fraud attorney today.