Fraud

Have you or a loved one fallen Victim to Fraud?Many across the United States and even right here in Tennessee have heard about cases where people get their identities stolen, accrue unknown and unauthorized charges on their credit or debit cards, receive mysterious tax bills, receive bills for medical treatment or services they never had or already paid, or learn someone is using their identity. Unfortunately, these cases occur all too often. If you feel that you or someone you care about has been the victim of fraud, it is important that you contact a Tennessee fraud lawyer right away. We will help you to get your life back and get you the compensation you need.

How do I know if I have been the victim of fraud?Criminals defrauding others out of their money can sometimes be very convincing and tricky, so it may be a challenge detecting fraud right away. However, in recent years, many banks and other companies have put in place certain practices to protect themselves from fraud and have also compiled a list of signs consumers should look for to help detect fraud. These signs may include:

• Receiving information on accounts you did not open or approve
• Inaccurate information on your credit report
• Failing to receive bills for accounts you do have
• Receiving credit cards for which you did not apply
• Being denied credit for no apparent reason
• Receiving calls from bill collectors

What are some Examples of Potentially Fraudulent Schemes?Criminals prey on victims using a wide variety of schemes, ranging from simple one on one dealings to more complex fraudulent business practices that accrue multiple victims. The State Attorney General’s Offices are the first line of defense against these businesses; however, as a victim, a person in Tennessee has substantial rights of their own in pursuing the person or business that has harmed them with fraud. Some examples of potentially fraudulent schemes include:

• Advertised businesses that offer services that seem “too good to be true”
• Tax Relief Organizations that promise significant tax relief through their service
• Telemarketing Fraud with urgent claims that “you must act right away”
• Advance Fee Schemes where the offer is to pay very little early to receive significant compensation in the future
• Pyramid Schemes where an individual is offered a franchise or exclusive right to sell a product and recruit their own subordinates

How can I protect myself against fraud?The first thing you need to do to protect yourself against fraud is to watch for signs that fraud is taking place. Other things you can do may include:

• Keep a close eye on your financial information
• Only give your social security number to secured sources
• Do not give out personal information to just anyone (i.e. over the phone or by e-mail)
• Do not leave passwords or pin numbers laying around
• Lock personal information in a lockbox or file cabinet
• Only use secure websites online
• Check your credit reports often

What Should I do if I suspect fraud is taking place?If you think fraud is taking place, report the suspicious actions or claims to the Attorney General in Tennessee, the Better Business Bureau, and/or several online fraudulent claims websites or local agencies. If this does not solve your problem, contact one of our caring and experienced Tennessee fraud attorneys right away. We will work with you to help you get your life back in order and make sure you receive any compensation that is rightfully yours.

Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.