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17 Feb 2020

Learning that a loved one is involved in fraudulent activities is surely surprising and extremely stressful to compute for your family, and could have devastating consequences as a result.

So what do you do when someone close to you is apprehended for fraud? Pick up the telephone and give our legal firm, ABV Solicitors, a call.

Choose your legal representation wisely

Charges of fraud can be extremely complicated. Therefore, the legal representation you obtain impacts your family member’s case. Failure to find a specialised solicitor of fraud could result in your lawyer giving you incorrect advice, which will surely weaken your case.

If you are searching for a fraud solicitor, remember to ask vital questions regarding their background, credentials, and their years of experience in this particular niche field of law.

Have a deeper understanding of the crime committed

Fraud is an umbrella term that comprises a broad spectrum of illegal activities that involve wrongfully acquiring money, property, and other benefits through deceit.

Some of the most widespread cases of fraud include cheque and credit card fraud, along with counterfeiting and money laundering.

Cheque fraud involves attempting to cash a cheque that you know has insufficient funds. Some individuals are of the incorrect belief that the penalties tied to a bouncing check are minor, like a small fine. However, this is not always the reality.

Credit card fraud is the act of using another person’s credit card without their permission by either stealing it or by obtaining personal account numbers by implementing schemes. There are various schemes people employ, but popular choices include phishing or scanning card details through a gas pump.

Counterfeiting can be the forging of important official documents, such as birth certificates and driver’s licenses, or the manufacturing and selling of fake ”branded” clothing as authentic.

Money laundering is an illegal and serious crime. Simply put, it occurs when someone tries to make it appear that money acquired comes from a different source. This is done because a person is trying to make it seem that the funds are derived legally, rather than from illicit activities.

What are the punishments for these and other fraudulent activities?

If you have recently learnt that someone you know has been involved in nefarious activities, you will obviously want to know what the consequences are.

Our competent fraud solicitor will mitigate your punishment by putting up the best defence possible. However, the extent of your punishment depends on the crime that has been committed. Your family member could face imprisonment, the length of which will be determined by and depend on numerous factors. They could also face fines or pay restitution to their victims, which also varies from case-to-case.

Vital need-to-knows if a loved one is accused of fraud

Whatever the charges are, you will need solicitors for fraud as your legal defence. As we have advised early, it is in your interest to find professionals who are knowledgeable about fraud law.

Not hiring a fraud solicitor is a mistake. If you do not have the funds to acquire one, you can enquire about legal aid. A loved one representing themselves could prove disastrous for many reasons because they do not know the law better than a solicitor, and they may not be aware of their most basic rights.