Your attorney could turn out to be a scammer: Internet Scambusters #1,118
Like every other professional, attorneys can differ in terms of competence and experience – but that’s not all.
Some of them are scammers, pretending to be qualified and acting in your interests when, in reality they’re only after lining their pockets.
Fortunately, the vast majority of attorneys are qualified and genuine, but in this week’s issue we’ll explain how to make doubly sure you’re dealing with one of them rather than a rogue.
Let's get started…
Is Your Attorney Legit? Here’s How To Find Out
We all know about impostors – scammers pretending to be someone they’re not. But we don’t expect to find them in the very heart of our legal system – that seemingly reliable attorney you hired to either fight your case, close on your home purchase, or the multitude of other activities we expect of them.
But they’re there, pulling the rug from under your feet and running off with your money.
Several guardians of our legal system, like the US Federal Trade Commission and the American Bar Association, have already issued warnings about scam legal operators, and our news media are peppered with stories about them.
Just when you need them most, your chosen legal representative could let you down. So how can you spot and avoid them?
Take Time
One of the biggest causes of falling victim to a fake attorney is failing to take the time to check them out – especially when you urgently need a lawyer.
The crooks you encounter may not have a legal license or they could have been banned or suspended from practicing. They likely lie about their qualifications and hide their past history of wrongdoing.
These fraudsters have been known to forge documents, provide useless or even damaging advice, forge signatures, and even create totally fictitious law businesses. And, in some cases, they exploit friendships and churchgoers to employ or recommend them.
Sometimes, they get away with their crime for years. In one case in Pennsylvania, for example, an impostor who had forged a law license and bar exam results conducted estate planning for dozens of clients across 10 years and even became president of their county bar association.
How to Spot a Fake Attorney or Legal Professional
As we said, the main reason people fall victim to impostor scams is because they don’t do even the most basic checks on the licensing and reputation of a supposed law pro.
For example, a legitimate, qualified lawyer has to be a member of a State Bar Association. In some states, non-lawyer paralegals may be permitted to practice but, again, this must be through a state licensing system and restricts exactly what they’re allowed to do.
It’s quite easy to check these people out – just go to the State Bar List to view all bar associations and other legal associations.
Here are some more actions you can take:
- Verify that the law company is officially registered with your state and confirm the attorney you're dealing with has "active" status.
- Check membership of other professional law organizations, especially membership of local groups.
- Ask family or friends for recommendations - but don't accept these as your only source of information.
- Be on the alert if the person you're planning to deal with becomes evasive in answering your questions.
- Ask for copies of their credentials and check to see they haven't expired.
- Thoroughly check their track record by requesting and confirming details of past court filings, examples of past contracts and settlements, specialist papers authored, and membership of Bar committees.
- Ignore unsolicited messages offering legal services and guarantees of results.
- Never pay upfront for your services. Of course, you need an idea of how much they'll cost but still don't part with your money in advance.
- Beware of any supposed attorney trying to pressure you into acting quickly. The legal process is complicated and can take time to get results.
- Check out the individual online. What do others say? How professional is their website? Look for spelling and grammar errors.
- Check any claims to have won awards or to have received special recognition. Some of these can be meaningless.
- For more information and guidance, check out this advice from the FTC: Hiring a Lawyer.
Of course, as the Philadelphia example we quoted above shows, impostors have been known to forge their qualifications, and while our tips should help you spot a scammer, it’s also wise to trust your gut instincts. If the attorney doesn’t impress you and convince you, move on.
This Week’s Alerts
Cap & Gown: With graduation excitement running high at this time of year, don’t be surprised to have a youngster knock on your door or accost you in the supermarket saying they have to raise $200 to pay for a cap or gown. Almost certainly, it’s a scam. According to a Los Angeles TV report, young people are being recruited on social media to solicit donations for their graduation outfit. But, in most cases, caps and gowns are available free via school districts or at a very low rental elsewhere.
Don’t fall for it: What’s your first reaction when you see someone fall close by? You rush to help, right? But watch out; it could be a distraction scam. While you’re helping, is someone helping themselves to your wallet? The trick is currently common in many overseas vacation locations, but it could happen anywhere. Make sure your own valuables are secure before rushing to help someone.
Time to conclude for today – have a great week!