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Our advance fee fraud lawyers are experts at defending those accused of advance fee fraud scams. The fraud involves the specific targeting of victims to make advance or upfront payments for goods or services, usually with the promise of substantial financial gain.
With this type of fraud, the promised goods, services and/or financial gain then does not happen. One of the most common ways of committing this fraud is the ‘419 scam'. This is so-called as it is the number of the criminal code in Nigeria dealing with this type of scam. A letter, fax or email is sent out, detailing elaborate reasons why the victims' assistance is required to get cash out of the country, and they will be asked to give their bank details and an upfront fee in return for a large amount of money that will be paid into their bank account. The funds, of course, are never transferred.
If you have been accused of an offence of this nature and would like advice on your situation call our specialist fraud solicitors on 0203 816 1098 or complete our online enquiry form.
Legal specialists and experienced fraud defence solicitors Sean Joyce and Correna Platt discuss investment fraud allegations.
Sean and Correna consider what investment fraud is, who is typically involved, the penalties faced if found guilty of such an offence and the importance of obtaining specialist legal support if accused of an offence.
Our serious fraud solicitors are expert in their field and we have been recognised by the Legal 500 as a top tier law firm in cases of criminal defence for fraud. As a nationwide law firm specialising in advance fee fraud, we can draw on our significant resources to help with your defence. We have a range of independent experts, including accountants and computer experts, who can help us build a robust defence and deal with complex and high-volume paperwork. We also have excellent relationships with a number of barristers and QCs from across the country who can represent you in court, if needed.
If you have been charged with advance fee fraud, you will need an expert advance fee fraud lawyer at your side as soon as possible. Instructing an expert fraud solicitor from the start can make all the difference when it comes to the outcome of your case.
If you have been accused of an offence of this nature and would like advice on your situation, call our specialist fraud solicitors on 0203 816 1098 or complete our online enquiry form.
The nature of advance fee fraud is always evolving as the authorities catch up with the criminal’s methods. However, there are several types of common advance fee fraud, which include:
If you are accused of fraud, it is important to seek specialist advice immediately. You need to know that the lawyer dealing with your case has a good understanding of fraud and how to defend your case.
Our experienced team of serious fraud lawyers has the expertise and knowledge to defend you. Contact our expert advance fee fraud lawyers on 0203 816 1098 or complete our online enquiry form.
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Allegations of fraud are serious and legal representation is vital, especially if you have been falsely accused of advance fee fraud. The penalties for this type of fraud can range from a fine and disqualification as a company director to a prison sentence that can go up to ten years. For more information about advance fee fraud, read our FAQs.
An advance-fee fraud scam is when a victim is promised a large sum of money in return for a small up-front payment, then, of course, the promised money is never transferred. Sometimes the fraudsters will also ask for bank account details.
Victims are often targeted in several ways, including email, fax, text messages and through email hijacking. Other methods that have been used by fraudsters include bogus job offers, lottery scams and fake online rentals for goods.
Advanced fee fraud is sometimes called 419 because such scams became associated with Nigerian criminal groups, and in Nigeria, the criminal code for these scams is 419. Many advance fee frauds do originate abroad, however, there are domestic fraudsters who use this type of scam or are in association with international criminal gangs.
Advance free fraud works by the fraudsters asking for an advance fee before sending promised money, stocks, services, goods, a job or, in some cases, holiday rentals, that are never received or do not exist. Typically, the victim, whether that's a business or an individual, will receive some form of solicitation, such as an email, text message or fax. Generally, the victim may be also asked for personal information, such as their name, address, phone number and banking information. If the victim takes the bait, they will be given information on how to transfer the advance money. Usually, this will be by wire transfer to an overseas bank account. Once the money is received, the fraudsters either quickly disappear or try and trick more money out of the victim.
If you or your business are being accused of advance fee fraud, it is essential that you get expert legal advice and representation. At Stephensons, we are expert in this field and can help you get the best outcome possible for your case. Contact us today on 0203 816 1098.
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