INTERNET SCAMS
Internet scam cases are challenging to bring to justice, mainly because the scammer is usually hard to find. Many times, victims of online sales scams have to go to the authorities to obtain restitution. However, internet fraud attorneys can take specific cases when the offending party can be found, and the amount of potential recovery is significant.
Potential for Internet Theft
Consumers in the internet age are aware that information is easily obtained, and purchasing power and convenience are available right from their living rooms. As such, internet fraud lawyers know that unwitting consumers can become victims of many different scams stemming from their use of the internet. From shoddy investments to timeshares, work-at-home scams, real estate schemes, banking transactions, and more, a vast number of potential traps exist that consumers may fall into by using the internet for deals and transactions. As a typical consumer, you probably rely on a range of services, like internet shopping, to ease the burden of your busy life. If it is available, make sure to employ a written contract for all services provided by an internet transaction. That means using one that clearly defines the restrictions and obligations of both the service provider and the consumer.
Addressing Internet Fraud
The e-commerce age translates into a vast amount of consumer purchasing that happens on the internet. Sadly, fraud is an ever-present threat. Through the internet, consumers often do business with companies that are out-of-state or at such a distance that in-person consumer complaints are not possible. Once the scam or theft is perpetrated, the unscrupulous internet transactor typically cannot be reached or found.
However, internet fraud attorneys handle these cases and can help protect the rights and best interests of consumers against fraudsters. Internet fraud attorneys can handle a claim for the return of lost funds or further litigation against scammers. Some scams consumers need to be aware of include:
Merchandise Scams
With so many buying choices available online, it is often challenging to discern the difference between a legitimate site and a phony one that aims to steal a consumer’s money or identity. Scammers set up generic online stores or copy the websites of big brand name companies. On these sites, they sell fake or counterfeit products, often at significantly reduced prices to entice victims.
Collection Agency Scams
Fraudsters understand that collection agencies can contact a consumer who owes a monetary debt to a creditor. Therefore, criminal scammers use collection agency scams to demand and steal money from unwitting consumers. By representing a phony collection agency or a government entity, scammers call victims and harass, humiliate, and threaten to sue to coerce their victims into submitting payment.
Dating and Relationship Scams
Scammers start an intimate online relationship with unsuspecting persons, then separate them from their money once trust is established.
Work From Home Scams
Many internet job searchers are attracted to the idea of making money from home. Scammers set up professional-looking websites offering work-at-home opportunities to lure job seekers into investing a specified amount of funds to secure their job or job training. Or, they collect the job seeker’s vital information and commit identity theft.
Indeed, internet scammers can take unsuspecting consumers for a costly ride. Internet fraud attorneys can help these people recover their lost money or compensation for stolen identity.