There are many different ways in which companies can make false representations or perform fraud on customers. Fortunately, there are laws in place to hold companies accountable and protect consumers against deceptive behaviors.
These laws state that if a company deceives an individual, that company will be held accountable for fraud. Do not hesitate to contact a Baldwin County fraud lawyer. An experienced criminal attorney can help you protect your reputation by presenting a defense case on your behalf.
Common Types of FraudSome of the most common types of fraud committed by businesses include business insurance fraud, health care insurance, personal insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, and motor vehicle fraud. Even though all companies with insurance are potentially vulnerable to business insurance fraud, these cases most often occur when companies have a hard time paying for insurance or in industries where it is difficult to protect against insurance fraud.
Health care insurance is a category most often encompasses services for which companies bill but do not actually render. Another common example of health care fraud involves providers who bill for a treatment covered by insurance instead of the treatment that the company actually provides.
Statistics show that personal insurance fraud is performed at an increasing rate. One of the most common types of insurance fraud occurs when an insurance company, agent or broker collects premiums for phone policies without any intent to honor these claims. Another common example of insurance fraud occurs when important information is not disclosed in an insurance exchange. While insurance fraud affects all age groups, senior citizens are particularly susceptible to this type of behavior.
Business-Related OffensesMortgage refinance brokers sometimes are able to help homeowners who are late on mortgage payments. In many cases, individuals fail to renegotiate their mortgage with the lender and commit fraud for profit. Another common example of fraud for profit involves providing false information to homeowners who are facing foreclosure.
Consumers often rely on descriptions of vehicles posted by sales individuals when deciding whether to purchase a motor vehicle. Baldwin County fraud lawyers have seen motor vehicle fraud can occur at any step in the process of purchasing a new or used car. One of the most common types of motor vehicle fraud concerns sellers who does not adequately represent details about a used motor vehicle.
Elements of an Alabama Fraud CaseIn the state of Alabama, there are four elements to establish that fraud occurred. The first element to establishing fraud is when consumers are being provided with false information. These statements must prove as false at the time that they were provided. Material facts can also be a factor in the establishment of fraud cases. The false statement that was provided must be a misstatement of a material fact.
Reliance often involves a consumer acting on a false statement. To sufficiently prove this element, the deception must have caused a person to act. In the state of Alabama, a consumer must show that they relied on a false statement.
Fraud must result in damages, which can include lost money or lost time. This element is often easier to establish that reliance. Contact a Baldwin County fraud lawyer.