Scam Alert: Fake attorney websites - AmericaNowNews.com

Scam Alert: Fake attorney websites

If you are looking for legal help, we have a warning: Crooks are posing as legitimate attorneys and law firms trying to collect your money and your personal information. 

There is no shortage of legal help - just flip through a phone book or turn on your television. But be on alert - con artists are now high-jacking names of reputable attorneys and law firms.

James McCauley, with the Virginia State Bar, says state lawyers are aware of the problem. "Their purpose of course is to get a consumer to contact them via the website they set up. They set up a client portal and what they are going to want you to do is to send money in and hire them to perform legal work, and of course they are not going to perform any legal work. They are just going to take your money," he says.

The deceptions can come in the form of an email or pop up when you are doing a Google search. Crooks offer services and request personal information and eventually your money. McCauley says legit firms most likely will not send random emails and ask for money up front without meeting the client face to face.

A safe way to find a lawyer is to contact your state's bar association. "Find out whether that lawyer is in fact active and in good standing. We can tell them that this person no longer practices law, so the consumer will know that it is a scam," McCauley says.

He cautions about just doing a Google search or searching the state's bar website. He says it is not good enough because crooks are using names of real lawyers. "The problem is that the lawyer and that firm never really tried to contact them," he explains. Once you think you've found a good attorney, pick up the phone and confirm the information and never wire or send money to an attorney you haven't met.

Remember: If you are suspicious about a lawyer, contact your state's bar association. If you are an attorney and you notice someone using your name, or your firm's name, contact police, the state bar, and report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Authorities say many times crooks will use the name of a retired lawyer to try and pull off the deception.

Copyright 2013 America Now. All rights reserved.

  • Most Popular StoriesMost Popular Stories

  • The FBI is warning that sexual perverts are stealing pictures of young kids from social media websites and are reusing them in alarming ways. Here's what you need to know to help protect children from cyber predators.
    It's a social norm now for people to be on Facebook, and many parents like to share photos and updates about their kids. But that info can easily be used by predators and other cyber-creeps! America Now shows how to protect your children online.

  • A recent investigation revealed telemarketers and direct-mail companies sometimes receive 90 percent or more of the money people donate to charities.
    A recent investigation revealed telemarketers and direct-mail companies sometimes receive 90 percent or more of the money people donate to charities. The non-profit organizations end up with just pennies on the dollar raised through solicitation campaigns, and it's all legal. 
  • What would you do if the warning sirens went off? Would you know where to go? We've got tips from the National Weather Service to help you stay safe no matter where you are.
    What would you do if the warning sirens went off? Would you know where to go? We've got tips from the National Weather Service to help you stay safe no matter where you are.
Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and America Now. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.