How to Prosecute a Con Artist
It can be difficult to prosecute a con artist. The process is complicated in that it can at times be tough to prove that a crime actually occurred. Good con artists are experts at deception and creating confusion. They are usually skilled at masking their true identities and are frequently capable of relocating quickly. The crimes may have occurred across multiple jurisdictions and it can be difficult to get multiple law enforcement agencies, across multiple jurisdictions to cooperate effectively. Still, it can be done and victims are always encouraged to report their cases.
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Instructions
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File a police report. This can be time consuming but it is the first step to being able to prosecute a con artist. Tell the police, in detail, exactly what happened. If possible give them an exact time-line of the events. If you have factual evidence, such as bills, receipts, or phone records, present that evidence to the police. You must give the district attorney as much ammunition as possible in order to successfully prosecute a criminal. The legal system often will not prosecute because of a lack of evidence, or because people are too ashamed or embarrassed to admit they have been duped.
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Sue the con artist in small claims court. This is another option if the district attorney refuses to prosecute the case. You will not need an attorney. You can directly subpoena the criminal and get a civil judgment that will allow you to uncover their personal records or assets.
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Contact criminal support groups that fight fraud. Often these groups will have databases of known criminals. Some of these criminals have been prosecuted and others haven't. By contacting these groups you may be able to put together a multi-party lawsuit and strengthen your case.
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Tips & Warnings
If you prosecute the con artist and they flee, register them as a fugitive with the police department and with criminal support groups specializing in fraud cases.
Con artists flourish because victims are frequently ashamed to admit they were "taken in" by a story or acted in a way that may be perceived as "greedy." The police are accustomed to dealing with these stories. Do not be fooled into allowing the con artist to rely on your reluctance to report the crime.
