How to Report a Fraudulent Business Scam
According to the book "Identity Theft Prevention" by James A. Blanco, "More than 1,400,000 checks are forged every day! Cost in losses to U.S. businesses: $27.3 million daily." Fraudulent business scams affect business people and everyday consumers alike. Being proactive by knowing where to report fraud is becoming more vital. Florida is a national leader in mortgage scams, but there are places that help consumers report their experiences and avoid further harm.
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Things You'll Need
- Documented evidence of scam (letter)
- Tax ID of business (if applicable and available)
- Personal data (Social Security number)
- Address(s)
- Phone number(s)
- -mail address
Instructions
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Do background research on the company that is allegedly fraudulent. Determine whether there are already complaints on file for similar reasons. It could be that you are not the first victim, and there may be supporting evidence to your specific circumstances. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) can illuminate useful information on a business scam and allow you to file a complaint. This is the first place to start because of the ability to do both quickly online or by phone.
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Use facts and not assumptions to prove the scam. Document everything involved with the case. Include all vital data to prove suspicious activity, including the location, time, dates and the persons involved. Write a short paragraph detailing when you began doing business; explain what information was provided during transaction(s), when it was discovered to be a scam and what was lost during the relationship. Provide identifying information of yourself, too.
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Hire a notary to increase the legitimacy of the claim, if you plan to take the issue to court. Typically, for large sums of money, this may be the course of action. The notary may notarize an affidavit (sworn statement). The letter must detail facts only.
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Submit all documentation to the proper authorities. It could be a combination of the state, court system and independent agencies. The report must be filed as a fraudulent business scam at the appropriate designated section (i.e., mortgage scam). Collect all case numbers to maintain a record of all action taken. Double-check before submitting that every address and all other required information is listed.
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Follow-up with the authorities. Make sure there is not any additional information required or missing from the report(s). If everything is completed, wait for them to send a letter to confirm your findings. This information may be used in a court case, if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider hiring a mobile notary service to complete the affidavit for convenience reasons.
Refer to the Consumer Fraud Reporting, Report a Scam website for links for all the places to report.
The Florida Attorney General is the best place to report statewide fraud, and FAG places important alerts on its website. Other states may have similar procedures.
Identity theft could harm you for years to come.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit business woman talk to cell phone on business building image by Anatoly Tiplyashin from Fotolia.com
