This may seem a silly question although we come across a staggering number of individuals who have no clue how to interpret whether a set of facts comprises fraud, often in the clearest of cases.
What makes us most concerned is that a number of these individuals work within our criminal justice system.
There is a sentiment moving through society that if you, as victim, part with your money willingly you will need to approach the civil courts rather than reporting a crime. Reason being the case would then be civil in nature and not criminal. This is wrong on so many levels.
There are many fraudsters that walk amongst us. These unscrupulous individuals are taking full advantage of this sentiment and are unfortunately not being brought to book by our authorities.
Fraud occurs where an individual unlawfully & intentionally makes a misrepresentation which causes actual prejudice or is potentially prejudicial to another. In essence, the crime of fraud encompasses any crime for gain in which deception is utilised as the principal modus operandi.
We are finding it increasingly difficult to motivate prosecution in cases of this nature; even in instances where we have built and handed the entire case to investigating officers & are still prepared to work with & assist them.
If you have been left out of pocket and feel as if you have been duped by an unsavoury individual in some way or another; chances are that you have been frauded notwithstanding what others may say.
The public will have seen the progression towards private prosecution given the State’s persistent failures. This is something we are seriously considering for several of our clients.
If you’d like to engage us to canvass a matter of yours which you believe may warrant prosecution, then we request that you arrange an obligation-free coffee with us as we’d love to step in & assist.