The world of fraud is still a big one and at one time or another in your life, you may find yourself on the receiving end of a scam or you may be accused of fraud and will need legal help.
In the following list, key areas are highlighted where you would typically need to seek the advice of a fraud solicitor.
HMRC investigations
The most common reason why people are investigated by HMRC is related to simple errors on their tax returns; if you have a larger business, an accountant can be worth their weight in gold in this instance!
But if you find yourself accused of tax fraud, then it is important to seek the advice of a solicitor who is trained in this specific area of the law, to help clear your name and ensure that this error does not occur again.
Investment scams
More people than ever before are choosing to invest their money via apps and online services. Unfortunately, this has opened the door for investment scammers who may pressure people into investing money that they do not have, with no evidence that it has been placed into stocks or bonds.
If you think you have been scammed, seek legal help.
Money laundering
Money laundering is simply the cleaning of money or making it look as though it was obtained through legal activity when it was the result of criminal activity, such as drug dealing.
If you run a company and one of your clients is being investigated for money laundering, you will be investigated by default and should seek the advice of a solicitor who has an in-depth understanding of fraud law in the UK. Alternatively, you may suspect that one of your clients or partners in a company is engaging in this activity; if so, you should report it.
Immigration fraud
With students studying in the UK from overseas and many people working in the UK from other countries, immigration fraud has had more barriers put in to ensure that people are not living in the UK illegally.
However, having an out-of-date visa is not the only example of immigration fraud; if you suspect that your employer is hiring illegal immigrants, then you should report this to the police and a solicitor who is trained in this area. The same reporting system applies in relation to facilitating the illegal entry of migrant workers, failure to comply with conditions of entry and simply entering the country with no visa and without planning to leave.
Although, if you are legally living and working in the UK, it may also be worth staying in regular contact with such a solicitor, so they can update you on any changes that may occur revolving around your visa and UK law.
Identity theft
In 2021, identity theft showed no sign of vanishing, particularly among groups of elderly people or those who would be considered vulnerable. In fact, it costs the UK billions of pounds every year!
If you have a suspicion that your credit or debit card has been cloned, or that a credit or debit card has been taken out in your name you should contact a solicitor who specialises in fraud.
Alternatively, you may have had goods ordered from the internet or a catalogue in your name without your consent, or even mobile phone contracts. These are also examples of identity theft and should be reported to a solicitor and the police.