It’s definitely summertime and while many people are enjoying the warm weather, others are using this time of year as an opportunity to run scams on the elderly and vulnerable. Articles like this one from the Grand Rapids Press warn people about scams commonly run on people and give them a resource for help.
Home improvement scams are more common than you might think and could involve the promise of a fixed driveway or a new roof. A contractor comes along, rings you doorbell and offers you a good deal on needed repairs. Sometimes the scam comes in the form of a deposit needed in advance before work begins. The deposit is paid and you never see your home improvements or the “contractor” again.
Fraud crimes against the elderly take many forms and may even be committed through the mail or over the phone. Giving out personal information to anyone you are unsure of should be done cautiously. They may turn around and use that information to gain access to your accounts or to open lines of credit.
Fraud offenses are often seen as a crime of opportunity. While some people may commit the crime because they need money, others do it because they don’t think they will get caught. Even offenses like passing bad checks can be considered a form of fraud.
In addition, credit card fraud and forgery are other white collar crimes that carry stiff penalties. While the elderly are often taken advantage of in offenses like this, healthy adults can often be taken in by scams.
If you are on the other side of things and are accused of committing an act of fraud, however, the outlook can be quite different. Perhaps you didn’t think what you were doing was wrong or you may have cut a few corners in a moment of desperation. You probably wish you could go back and undo what has already been done.
Whatever the case, I want to hear about it. I make it my business to represent each of my clients to the best of my ability, ensuring no possibilities are left unaddressed. Call me today to discuss your case and let’s work together to come up with a solution.