How To Spot Legal Scams

Legal scams are a prominent issue in today’s digital landscape. Schemes can threaten the security of your personal information, undermine your ability to file a real lawsuit, and impact your finances. People may be targeted through different methods for a variety of purposes and anyone can come into contact with a legal scam.

Understanding these scams and the ways they work is the first step toward protecting yourself from these dangers.

There are many different types of legal scams. But most have a common goal: to convince someone to provide money or personal information. Scammers may use tactics like fear, false urgency or promises of money to ensnare victims. Scammers may pose as attorneys, court officials, debt collectors and legal service providers.

Legal scams may involve:

• People impersonating attorneys or other legal professionals
• Fraudulent debt collectors
• People offering illegal, fraudulent or upsold legal services
• Promised payouts or awards for lawsuits that haven’t settled yet

Legal scam examples

Roundup lawsuit scam

Since 2021, fraudulent emails promising “immediate” payouts in a Roundup lawsuit have circulated the web. The scam was based on legitimate news that a settlement had been proposed but gave false information about the timeline of payouts.

The emails included urgent language to play on people’s hopes for payouts. One email said “Time is Limited” and “Funds available for immediate payout.”

Camp Lejeune lawsuit scam

Victims of contaminated water in Camp Lejeune were targeted in legal scams. Some were promised large amounts of money. The Better Business Bureau labeled this a phishing scam. Camp Lejeune victims were also getting scammed into paying for a filing fee. Scammers took advantage of the victims’ desire to receive compensation for the harms they experienced.

Legal scams may seem very convincing, so it’s important to understand the tactics used to manipulate individuals. Awareness of these tactics can be helpful when you think you’ve encountered a legal scam.

High-pressure tactics

A common warning sign of legal scams is the use of high-pressure tactics. This is when scammers make victims feel a sense of urgency by claiming that action needs to be taken immediately.

High-pressure tactics cause stress and anxiety, making it easier for the victim to act quickly without pausing to think. People using high-pressure tactics may forcibly insist that victims send money, provide personal or financial information or sign documents. Pressure can make a suspicious situation feel even more scary, so it’s important to trust your instincts.

Suspicious payment methods

Suspicious payment methods are another red flag when it comes to figuring out if you may be engaging with a legal scam. Individuals trying to obtain money from victims may request payment through wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency or payment apps.

Some of these payment types may be difficult to track, making it hard for law enforcement to discover this fraudulent activity. Oftentimes, scammers will demand payment before they provide any promised legal help. Legitimate legal professionals will always use transparent billing practices.

Lack of proper credentials

Another common sign of a legal scam is when the scammer lacks the proper legal credentials. Attorneys and law firms are licensed and able to prove their qualifications through state bar associations and membership in professional legal organizations. Individuals participating in fraudulent activity may use fake credentials that cannot be officially verified.

If you are already represented by a lawyer, you should contact them via the email and phone number that they provided you.

If there is any hesitation regarding the authenticity of the person you’re in contact with, be cautious of how you interact with them. Look at the email address you’ve been contacted by. Does it seem legitimate? Look up the law firm. Does it have a brick-and-mortar location listed?

Guarantees that are too good to be true

Fraudulent legal professionals will often make guarantees that seem too good to be true. This tactic includes promising certain outcomes or settlements regarding the victim’s legal situation. These promises aim to convince the victim that moving forward with this unknown scam will leave them with a positive outcome. A too-good-to-be-true guarantee mixed with high-pressure tactics is characteristic of dangerous scams.

Falling victim to a legal scam can feel very overwhelming and isolating. If you believe you’ve been a victim of an online scam, take the proper steps to protect yourself and your assets:

• Stop contact immediately: Stop all communication with the individual or group that’s scamming you. Save any correspondence for evidence. This includes phone numbers, emails, text messages, etc.
• Report to proper authorities: Whether it be local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies, reporting the fraudulent activity is one of the first steps to protecting yourself and others.
• Protect your personal information: Change passwords, freeze your credit card, contact your bank and check your bank accounts to ensure your personal information and financial assets are safe going forward.
• Consult with a legitimate attorney: If you’d like to pursue legal action, discussing your situation with a legitimate attorney can help you figure out your options.

Finding help is essential when you’re navigating the legal system. Ensuring someone is a legitimate legal professional should always be the first step before you agree to work closely with this person.

• Verify their credentials: Confirm their license and education history to ensure they are a legitimate legal professional.
• Research their reputation: Look up the individual or law firm online to learn more about them and their reputation. Read reviews from real clients discussing their experience with the firm.
• Ask questions: Take the time to write down and ask questions regarding their experience, fees, contracts, payment methods, timelines, etc.

Motley Rice attorneys have decades of experience representing individuals in litigation involving toxic exposures, medical drugs, corporate negligence and sexual abuse. We approach each case with the care and compassion it deserves. Our team knows how challenging pursuing litigation can be, especially when the individual or family member is fighting a battle they never asked to be a part of. Our attorneys and staff will guide clients through the legal process and ease their burdens.

Read more on our litigation experience.