Fraud cases can be complicated and involve a wide range of different issues and industries. However, they all share one thing in common—they’re usually extremely difficult to prove. This is because fraud claims are based on the assertion that someone misrepresented something, and that you actually relied on that representation to take some action or refrain from taking any action. To succeed in a claim of this type, you’ll need to prove nine different elements by clear and convincing evidence.
While collecting details through interviews plays a key role in fraud investigations, it’s equally important to review records and documents for clues about fraudulent activities. For instance, examining an accused person’s email and instant message history can provide vital information that interviewees may forget or purposefully withhold. This is why it’s so important to maintain a secure chain of custody while reviewing records.
Another way to gather relevant evidence is through a thorough asset investigation. Depending on the circumstances of the case, investigating assets might include bank accounts and investments, as well as any real estate owned or controlled by the accused person. It can also include personal trusts and any property conveyed to close associates or family members.
When it comes to pursuing justice against the perpetrator of a fraud case, there are two broad types of legal remedies you can pursue: criminal and civil. The latter typically involves monetary compensation in exchange for the harm you suffered as a result of the fraudster’s actions.
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