Protecting Yourself from Fraud: Practical Tips and Legal Strategies from a Criminal Defense Attorney in New Hampshire

Understanding Fraud and Its Impact

🔍 What is Fraud?
Fraud involves deception for financial or personal gain. In New Hampshire, fraud crimes range from identity theft and credit card fraud to investment scams and wire fraud.

⚖ Legal Consequences
Those convicted of fraud in New Hampshire face severe penalties, including fines, restitution orders, and imprisonment. Under RSA 638, fraud-related offenses carry felony or misdemeanor charges depending on the severity of the crime.

💰 Victim Compensation
Victims of fraud can seek compensation through civil lawsuits or restitution ordered by the court. The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office may also provide assistance in recovering financial losses in certain fraud cases.

Common Types of Fraud in New Hampshire

📌 Identity Theft
Criminals may use stolen personal information to open fraudulent accounts, file false tax returns, or commit other crimes in your name. Always protect sensitive information and monitor your credit reports regularly.

💳 Credit Card Fraud
Unauthorized transactions on credit or debit cards often result from phishing scams, data breaches, or card skimming devices. Report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.

📧 Online Scams
Phishing emails, fake websites, and fraudulent online transactions trick individuals into revealing financial details. Always verify website authenticity and never share passwords or Social Security numbers online.

🏠 Real Estate & Rental Fraud
Scammers exploit homebuyers and renters by offering non-existent properties or posing as landlords. Verify property legitimacy through local registries before making payments.

💼 Employment & Investment Fraud
Fraudulent job offers and investment scams promise high returns but leave victims financially devastated. Research companies and investment opportunities before committing funds.

How to Protect Yourself from Fraud

🔐 Secure Personal Information
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts.
- Shred financial documents before disposing of them.
- Avoid sharing personal details on unsecured websites or public Wi-Fi networks.

🛑 Recognize Warning Signs
- Unsolicited emails requesting sensitive information.
- Unexpected changes in account statements or missing mail.
- Offers that seem too good to be true – they usually are.

📞 Verify Before You Trust
- Confirm identities before sharing information, especially in online transactions.
- Research businesses and professionals through the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s database before engaging in any financial dealings.

💳 Monitor Financial Activity
- Check bank statements and credit reports frequently for unauthorized activity.
- Set up fraud alerts with your bank and credit monitoring services like Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax.

Legal Strategies for Victims of Fraud

📝 Report Fraud Immediately
Victims should report fraud to their local law enforcement agency, the New Hampshire Department of Justice, or federal agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

⚖ File a Civil Lawsuit
Fraud victims can pursue compensation through civil litigation to recover lost funds. A skilled attorney can assist in filing lawsuits against fraudsters or negligent businesses.

📜 Seek Restitution Through Criminal Cases
In criminal fraud cases, courts may order offenders to pay restitution to victims as part of sentencing under RSA 651:63. This helps victims regain their financial losses.

💡 Freeze Your Credit
To prevent further fraud, victims can request credit freezes from major credit bureaus, blocking unauthorized access to their financial profiles.

Defending Against Fraud Accusations

🚨 Understanding Your Rights
If accused of fraud, remain silent until you consult with an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in court.

📑 Gather Evidence
Keep records of all transactions, communications, and contracts that prove your innocence. Strong documentation can serve as a defense against false accusations.

🏛 Legal Representation
An experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and help secure the best possible outcome in a fraud case.

🔄 Plea Bargains & Diversion Programs
Some first-time offenders may qualify for alternative sentencing options such as pretrial diversion programs to avoid incarceration and have charges reduced or dismissed upon completion of certain conditions.

Resources for Fraud Prevention & Assistance

📞 New Hampshire Department of Justice Consumer Protection & Antitrust Bureau – Assists fraud victims with consumer rights and fraud complaints ([www.doj.nh.gov](https://www.doj.nh.gov)).

🔍 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - Identity Theft Assistance – Provides resources for identity theft recovery ([www.identitytheft.gov](https://www.identitytheft.gov)).

💳 Credit Bureaus - Fraud Alerts & Credit Freezes:
- Experian ([www.experian.com](https://www.experian.com))
- Equifax ([www.equifax.com](https://www.equifax.com))
- TransUnion ([www.transunion.com](https://www.transunion.com))

🛑 Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Helps verify business legitimacy and resolve disputes ([www.bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org)).