Top Finksburg, MD Telemarketing Fraud Lawyers Near You
A Law Firm Dedicated to Fighting For Your Rights
Free Consultation
Maryland Super Lawyers 2008-2013. Best Lawyers in America 2007-2018. "AV Rated" by Martindale-Hubbell, Highest Peer Review Rating in Legal Ability and Ethical Standards.
Telemarketing Fraud Lawyers | Serving Baltimore, MD
Maryland's Premier Criminal Defense Firm. Nationally Acclaimed. 40+ Years Of Experience. Make The Right Decision And Call Now.
Free Consultation
301 Main St, Ste 1D, Reisterstown, MD 21136
116 B Cathedral Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
1517 Reisterstown Rd, 2nd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21208
6304 Woodside Court, Suite 110, Columbia, MD 21046
2514 Maryland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21218
1200 East Baltimore Street, Suite 1802, Baltimore, MD 21202
6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 100, Clarksville, MD 21029
1 North Charles Street, Suite 1301, Baltimore, MD 21201
25 Hooks Lane, Suite 214, Baltimore, MD 21208
11450 Pulaski Hwy, White Marsh, MD 21162-1511
101 East Chesapeake ave, Ste 200, Towson, MD 21286
305 West Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 209, Towson, MD 21204
7 St Paul St, Suite 1100, Baltimore, MD 21202
100 Light Street, 26th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202
9411 Philadelphia Rd, Suite O, Baltimore, MD 21237
339 East 25th St, Baltimore, MD 21218
30 North Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014
16a Bel Air So Pkwy, Bel Air, MD 21015
500 East Pratt Street, Suite 1000, Baltimore, MD 21202
1318 E. Churchville Rd, Upper Level, Bel Air, MD 21014
116 Cathedral Street, Suite D, Annapolis, MD 21401
201 N Charles St, Suite 21201, Baltimore, MD 21201
PO Box 451, Randallstown, MD 21133
5550 Newbury St, Suite A, Baltimore, MD 21209
30 E Pennsylvania Ave, Rear Building, Suite 600, Bel Air, MD 21014
Finksburg Telemarketing Fraud Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Finksburg
Lead Counsel independently verifies Telemarketing Fraud attorneys in Finksburg and checks their standing with Maryland bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
How Does Telemarketing Fraud Work?
Telemarketing fraud is the practice of scamming or fleecing recipients of your call by falsely representing a legitimate business or other enterprise.
Typically, scammers begin the call by creating a sense of urgency within the recipient of the call — perhaps saying that the recipient has won a prize (a cruise, etc.) and must supply their credit card information to pay for a nominal deposit. While a large number of call recipients may hang up or refuse to comply, a certain percentage of individuals inevitably will comply, and this is the payoff for the fraudster.
Once purchase or cash advances have been made against the victim’s card the scammer disappears.
What Are Some Examples of Telemarketing Fraud?
There are a number of popular telemarketing fraud schemes, ranging from the free cruise or vacation scam to simple cold-calling for sales products that will never be delivered (nonexistent culinary products, beauty products, medical products, etc.).
Perhaps the most popular example of telemarketing fraud involves the overpayment scheme. In this scenario, fraudsters use the phone to call unsuspecting victims while adopting the persona of a collections or accounting agent for a legitimate business or government agency such as VISA or the IRS. Under this guise, the fraudster advises the victim that they are in debt, with interest accruing at an unacceptable rate, and that they must pay their debt outstanding immediately. By using the aura of authority to intimidate their victims — as well as by creating a sense of urgency in order to get the victim to comply immediately, without considering the consequences or reliability of the caller — fraudsters manipulate their victims into emptying their bank accounts.
Who Investigates Telemarketing Fraud?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is charged with investigating most serious cases of telemarketing fraud.
What Is the Penalty for Phone Scamming?
At the federal level, telemarketing fraud and email fraud are bundled together in the United States Code. Per these guidelines, there is an automatic forfeiture of all proceeds gained from the fraud in order both to make restitution to the victim(s) while also acting as a punitive measure. Penalties can be enhanced if fraudsters are seen to be taking advantage of pensioners or the elderly, with mandatory penalties ranging from 5 to 10 years in jail.
Generally speaking, phone scamming and telemarketing fraud are also prosecuted under the broader federal fraud statutes (regarding mail or wire fraud). Such offenses can lead to a punishment of no more than five years in federal prison — before considering aggravating elements.
Though telemarketing and email fraud are typically investigated by the FTC and charges are generally laid in federal court, states are also empowered to levy civil fines and further penalties for minor infractions. Fines can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per offense, plus restitution for any ill-gotten gains.
Can You Go to Jail for Telemarketing Fraud?
Yes. Because telemarketing fraud is so closely connected to other forms of fraud at the federal level, it is certainly possible to face incarceration in federal prison in response to a conviction.
For this reason, you should immediately secure the services of a skilled criminal defense attorney if you are facing charges related to telemarketing fraud. Not only can an attorney who is knowledgeable in the field of fraud law help you to navigate your charges — and how best to deal with them — but attorney-client privilege protects your discussions, keeping them private and allowing for honest conversation.
In many cases, your lawyer may be able to negotiate with the prosecution in favor of a reduced sentence, perhaps avoiding the prospect of jail entirely. A plea bargain may involve further financial restitution, some form of community service or both. A conviction on federal fraud charges is a very serious matter, and repeat offenders — or those who are accused of defrauding pensioners or other vulnerable populations — could face a lengthy prison sentence if found guilty.