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Kalish Law Texas

Divorce, Probate, Business Law- The Woodlands Kalish Law

(281) 363-3700
(281) 363-3700
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You are here: Home / Legal Blog / The Many Faces of Fraud- Part I of 2

The Many Faces of Fraud- Part I of 2

May 1, 2013 By Kalish Law Office

Unfortunately, this is a big topic.   There are many varieties of fraud and this post will cover a few of the most common, as well as give some tips on how to deal with fraud, and how to avoid it in the first place! This first blog will cover the fraud perpetrated by strangers…. the next one will give you some options in the case of a known perpetrator.

Telemarketing Fraud:

Telemarketing fraud has gotten much more sophisticated.  Often the fraudulent callers will possess enough information to make it sound as if it may be legit.   Common targets: senior citizens and business owners.  These unscrupulous callers tend to talk fast, be persistent, and use high pressure tactics. They may have some accurate information about you in order to get you to let your guard down.  Businesses are targets because someone who is answering a phone during business hours may be busy and pressed for time, and therefore more willng to “just tell them what they want to know” in order to get the annoying caller off the phone.   These callers may use the phone number or website address of a legitimate business in order to get you to trust them. For instance, a recent scam involves someone claiming to be from “The Better Business Bureau” who calls and leaves the website address for the actual BBB, but in reality is not associated with it.  Best defenses: NEVER give up information on the phone. If they are legitimate, they won’t mind you saying “no”.   Don’t be pushed into a decision.   Keep repeating “I do not give that information out over the phone.”  Hang up.   Make sure the senior citizens and children in your family understand safety rules about answering the phone. Train your employees not to give out information on the phone.

Credit Card Fraud:

I have written blogs about this before, and I’ll say it again:  SHRED your old credit card documents.   Check your credit report periodically.  Make sure you login to only safe sites online. Don’t write down personal information in a place where someone can see it or steal it.   Organize yourself.   The U.S. Secret Service advises that everytime you call an 800, 888, or 900 number your name and address are captured and become part of your electronic profile.  So be careful who you call!

Email and “4-1-9” Fraud

Email scams are called 4-1-9 scams (based on a section of the Nigerian Penal Code that deals with fraud.   A few years ago, these scams were almost laughable (“Hi, I am a Nigerian Prince and I have a check with your name on it, please write back!”) but they have become extremely sophisicated.  Don’t click on links in the email and don’t respond to scams (even if you think it may be fun to “mess with them”).   Clicking and responding can cause (at worst) a virus in your computer and theft of electronic data and (best case) an annoying pen pal you can’t get rid of.   When you delete the message, delete it from your trash bin as well. It’s also a good idea to run a virus scan if you accidentally open one of these emails.   If you have a business and can’t avoid opening these emails (because you can’t afford to miss some “real customers”), invest in a good virus protection program, train yourself and your staff in how to recognize and deal with fraud and have a system to screen potential clients (hint: they DO know how to create fake I.D.).  You should be familiar with the ways to report fraud (to Texas Attorney General, FBI, U.S. Secret Service, or your local law enforcement and/or District Attorney – depending on the situation).  If you have been defrauded, you should immediately report this to the proper authority (see below).

Creditor Fraud

Creditor fraud takes many forms: pretending that the person owes a debt when the caller knows they do not, attempting to collect a debt that the caller knows is not valid,  misquoting the law (for example telling a widowed spouse that they are responsible for debts of a deceased spouse when the caller knows that they are not), and various misuse or disregard of state and federal laws.  These callers may also try to pressure you in revealing information that you shouldn’t, and may even threaten you.   This type of behavior should be reported to proper authorities.

Identity Theft

We have written blogs about this before, because it is so widespread.   The tips quoted above for the other types of fraud also apply here: guard your papers, passwords and private info.  Don’t give out information about yourself. Watch what you say online.  Don’t trust someone who wants your personal info.  Shred papers.   Watch your credit report.  Look around when you are using the ATM and keypads. Don’t leave gas receipts or credit card receipts behind.  If you have been a victim of identity theft, act fast. Report this to your bank, all accounts, the social security office, credit reporting agencies, and possibly to a Driver’s License office.

Helpful Links

Texas DPS Identity Theft Information

U.S. Secret Service: check out “Protecting Yourself”

Texas Attorney General: Frauds and Scams

F.B.I. – Identity Theft

Next time… the “known” perpetrator, martial fraud, business fraud, and how an attorney can help you.

“Passionate, Professional and Personal. We Make the Difference.” Kalish Law Office has been serving businesses and families since 1984.

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Filed Under: Legal Blog Tagged With: business attorney, complicated divorce, consumer law, debt and divorce, harassment by creditors, marital fraud, probate lawyer, small business risk management, The Woodlands

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Kalish Law Firm handled our estate planning. The whole team is very professional and friendly. Special thanks to Ms Maggie Gonzalez she was so patient and made us feel very comfortable. We would gladly recommend Kalish Law Firm.
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Here's some background- I'm the father of 2 fantastic kids, who’s mother is in law enforcement. I came to Sio desperate for help to modify my standard custody order in MoCo- seeking more time with my kids, more decision making authority, and the ability to hold my ex accountable to making choices that will benefit our kids and give them everything that they deserve.As a father, nobody believed this was possible. I had friends and family tell me I didn’t stand a chance. I even consulted with a different attorney once who refused my case, claiming fathers only win if there’s abuse or drugs involved. Then I found Sio…From day 1, Sio treated me as a parent- not “just a father”. Though she acknowledged that my case would be a battle, she never doubted what I was fighting for. Sio and her team were understanding and patient throughout this stressful time in my life, and took their time to help me understand the complicated family court processes. In the end, she DELIVERED. I was able to creatively modify my custody order to provide an arrangement that will truly serve my children.If you’re a good father looking to provide a good life for your kids, call Sio
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Sio was my Lawyer her team amazing. They keep me update on any information about my case . They explained everything to me step by step. my case was successful. In any case make sure have all your documents and facts together.Thanks,Ladies and Kalish Law for all your hard work!
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I have the honor and pleasure to recommend the law firm KALISH LAW OFFICE and its incredible professional legal team. The lawyer SIO RAMIREZ PITRE is an excellent lawyer with an experience, Efficiency, responsibility, honesty and with a great professional approach that advises you at all times and In all aspects in your process, with her incredible and professional paralegal team who are constantly aware of your case in a responsible way, they are very responsible. Thank you MIRNA RAMIREZ, MAGGIE GONZALES, ADILENE RODRIGUEZ, for all your great work and legal advice and thank you Attorney SIO RAMOREZ PITRE for your dedication and commitment which exceeds all the required standards. I am more than grateful, very satisfied with your services ... May God always guide you to help all people that require your great work, it is my pleasure to give my recommendations to this great law firm Kalish Law Office and its team that is very Committed to help everyone.Thank you for all your support ..
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Kalish Law Firm has been amazing with my legal needs.Mrs Sio Ramirez Pitre represented me for my divorce.Speacial thanks to Mrs Sio.Their team of lawyers, MR Bob Kalish and Mrs Laura Kalish as well as the entire staff, Paralegal Myrna Ramirez , Addy, and Maggie , all are efficient,,well informed,They always have the best interest in mind, the client and family in legal terms. I strongly recommend their legal skills.They will work hard for you.Thank you so much Kalish Law Firm.
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Kalish Law was a big help not only in aiding in the preparation to sell a business, but also with making sure all the dots were crossed for our estate planning needs. They make sure you understand everything and exhibit a true desire to make sure they have taken care of your legal needs. I recommend them highly!
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Firm handled wills for my husband and me -they were knowledgable and answered all our questions very patiently. Bob Kalish and his team also advised us on need for durable power of attorney and guided us through the process of considering end of life issues such as DNR. Overall, very pleased with the service, the turnaround time for our documents was excellent and they were prepared exactly as we wanted.
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I don't recommend Kalish Law to represent you in your divorce hearing. My case was dismissed for numerous reasons. Paperwork not being filed on time, and a missed notary seal. I never once received in a yr and half an invoice. After requesting a refund, her team sent me a bill for almost 8k! DO NOT HIRE THIS FIRM! My money was completely wasted. Oh let us not forget my child support was also dismissed as well. AGAIN DO NOT HIRE THIS FIRM!
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I used Kalish Law Services I believe a year or two ago. Sio, represented me during my child support/visitation with the father of my children that was highly difficult. She discussed all the possibilities and was very explanatory on how the process would go. She was straight forward and to the point. No time wasted. I was very pleased in how my experience went with everything and the great communication sio and her staff had with me. I would use their services again if the opportunity did arise. I do highly recommend them. They are so great.
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Sio has been representing me for the past year and a half. She has been understanding and has truly gone above and beyond for me and my children. I would highly recommend her for any family court cases you may have going on. Sio is the best when it comes to standing up and defending her clients. Her assistants Ann and Myrna have also been wonderful answering all of my questions and emails right away. Thank you guys so much!
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