Legal Support for Victims of Scams and Fraud in Queensland

Scammers and fraudsters are increasingly sophisticated, targeting individuals and businesses with tactics like phishing scams, investment frauds, romance scams, advance fee frauds and identity theft. These crimes can devastate victims financially and emotionally. At Fox Piper, we work to help victims recover their losses and seek justice.

What are scams and fraud?

Scams and frauds encompass various deceptive practices aimed at unlawfully obtaining money or sensitive information from individuals or entities. Examples include:

  • Phishing Scams

    Fraudulent emails, texts, or calls pretending to be from reputable sources to trick victims into revealing personal information or transferring funds.

  • Investment Frauds

    Promises of high returns from non-existent schemes such as Ponzi schemes or fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.

  • Romance Scams

    Creation of fake online personas to develop romantic relationships with victims, often leading to requests for money or financial assistance.

  • Advance Fee Frauds

    Offers of large payouts or prizes requiring upfront payments for taxes or fees, which the scammer pockets.

  • Identity Theft

    Theft of personal information to open fraudulent accounts, take out loans, or conduct other financial crimes in the victim’s name.

Our legal team in Queensland understands these tactics and the laws surrounding fraud, providing comprehensive support to victims seeking justice.

Dangers and Consequences

  • Financial and asset loss

    Scammers exploit vulnerabilities, leading to substantial monetary losses.

  • Emotional distress and psychological impact

    Victims often experience profound stress and anxiety, affecting personal well-being.

  • Damage to personal and professional reputation

    Fraudulent activities can tarnish reputations, impacting both personal and business relationships.

  • Legal implications and potential liabilities

    Without proper legal guidance, victims may face complex legal challenges. Make a booking with Fox Piper to gain appropriate legal guidance.

            Resolve your dispute in 3 easy steps

            Step 1

            Submit Your Enquiry

            Provide us with details about your situation. We will assess to see how best we can help you. All enquiry submissions are confidential.

            Step 2

            Speak with a solicitor

            We will take the time to understand your circumstances and give you guidance.

            We will speak with you about your matter, give you options, and most importantly potential solutions.

            Step 3

            Post-consultation email

            We know that legal matters can be stressful and that our initial consultation can contain a lot of information. After our consultation we will send you an email with an overview and next steps so you have something to reflect upon and make a careful and considered decision.

            Why Fox Piper?

            Fox Piper has experience in handling scam and fraud cases in Queensland. Our dedicated team is committed to providing strategic legal counsel and pursuing justice for our clients.

            Our Services

            • Understanding and advising

              Our legal team listens to you to find out what happened, and reviews any correspondence you have received. In some cases, we can geo-locate where emails have originated from.
            • Urgent applications for asset freezing injunctions

              In cases where assets are identifiable and located within Australia, our lawyers can swiftly apply for injunctions to freeze funds and assets, preventing their transfer overseas or further misuse.
            • Pursuit of civil legal action against perpetrators

              Depending on the circumstances, we pursue civil litigation against scammers or intermediaries involved in fraudulent activities, aiming to recover your losses and seek compensation.
            • Recovery of funds from financial institutions

              We leverage our expertise to negotiate with banks and financial institutions to recover funds involved in fraudulent transactions when banks have fallen short of their obligations to you, ensuring you receive restitution where possible.

            Take the First Step

            Tell us about your dispute, and our team will assess your enquiry and guide you on possible next steps. We’re here to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

            FAQs

            • What should I do if I suspect I'm a victim of a scam or fraud?

              Make a booking with Fox Piper immediately. We can advise you on steps to protect yourself and begin investigating the matter.

            • How can Fox Piper help me recover my money?

              Fox Piper will explore legal avenues such as pursuing civil actions against perpetrators and recovering funds from involved financial institutions.

            • What if I've already reported the scam to the authorities?

              Our legal team can work in tandem with law enforcement and regulatory agencies to support your case and pursue legal remedies. Law enforcement will not apply for freezing orders on your behalf and may not act as urgently as needed to maximise your chance of recovery.

            • What are the potential costs involved in pursuing legal action?

              We offer transparent pricing with upfront flat fees for initial consultations. Further costs will be discussed based on the specifics of your case.

            • How long does it typically take to resolve a scam or fraud case?

              The timeline can vary based on the complexity of the case and cooperation from involved parties. We strive to achieve timely resolutions while ensuring thoroughness.

            • What happens if my money have already been taken overseas?

              Although it is preferable when the person or money is still in Australia, however, if your money has been sent overseas to scammers they will usually use an Australian-based intermediary. The intermediary usually allows scammers to use an Australian bank account in exchange for a fee. You may have a case against the intermediary. We can also look at your bank and the intermediary’s bank to see if they have failed in their obligations to you to seek recovery from them.

            Source
            Criminal Code 1899 (Qld), section 408C