The timely resolution of a charge of Internet crime calls for an attorney with exemplary legal skills and experience in negotiating effective solutions. To find out how our firm can help, contact us to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with an Internet crime attorney.
Internet Crime Defense Lawyer in Worcester, Massachusetts
With laws and prosecution of Internet and other computer crimes constantly evolving, it can be critical to turn to a proven trial attorney such as Daniel W. Cronin for counsel if you have been charged or come under investigation. Mr. Cronin is a longstanding, widely respected defender of Massachusetts residents' rights and futures — and a balanced, determined resource if you are dealing with allegations of possessing child pornography, identify theft, illegal downloading, or a white collar business or financial crime. The Cronin Law Firm offers a free initial consultation to begin assessing your case and understanding your overall circumstances.
Thank you for contacting Cronin Law Firm. Your message has been sent.
Call us now
or use the form below.
Attorney Daniel W. Cronin is well known for his defense work in Massachusetts state and federal courts, and he also benefits from prior valuable experience as a prosecutor. The versatile criminal defense firm he leads is a solid resource for people the Worcester-Middlesex County and MetroWest area.
Internet and other computer crimes are often investigated by federal authorities and prosecuted in U.S. District Court. At the federal level, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors have almost unlimited resources, and sentencing requirements and guidelines are stiff. Daniel W. Cronin of Worcester is sensitive to our clients' needs and goals, and determined to work toward positive outcomes by applying his knowledge of computer-based evidence and "cyber law," Massachusetts search and seizure, and other legal areas that may be essential to building the best possible defense for you.
4-1-9 Scams and Advance Fee Fraud
Many people who have e-mail accounts have received a message promising a fabulous sum of money in return for assisting in the transfer of funds out of a country, usually Nigeria. Numerous businesses have also received faxes making similar offers. These proposals are part of a fraudulent scheme called a "4-1-9 scam"; it is named after the section of the Nigerian criminal code dealing with such fraud. If you have been involved in a 4-1-9 scam, consult with an attorney from Cronin Law Firm in Worcester, Massachusetts, who is experienced in the area of Internet crime.
How Does a 4-1-9 Scam Work?
The scam begins with an unsolicited message from a sender who claims to have gotten your name by chance or because you were recommended as trustworthy. Either way, you are his last opportunity for help, and he is desperate for your assistance. He claims to be a family member or close associate of a former government official or important businessperson, perhaps someone who lost his life during political upheaval.
Before the sender's associate died or became otherwise unavailable, he deposited a very large sum of money — sometimes $1 million and sometimes as much as $35 million — into a bank account in his home country. The problem is that the sender cannot get the money out of the country without your help. If you help to transfer the money, the sender promises, you will receive 15 to 50 percent of the total. The sender asks you to provide your bank account information so that the money may be transferred to the US. He may also ask for letterhead stationery from your business.
Sometimes, the fraud ends here, as the sender loots the victim's bank account. Often, however, this is just the beginning.
The 4-1-9 Scam Intensifies
If the scam continues, the victim may be sent official-looking documents regarding the transfer of the money. The victim is apprised of developments in the situation that require money from the victim. Government officials may need bribes, for instance, or bank fees and administrative costs may crop up. Once the sender finds a victim who is willing to pay, he will attempt to drain the source of all funds. These payments are called advance payments.
If the sender concludes that the victim's funds have dried up, he may move on. If he determines that there is more money to be had, however, the victim may be asked to meet up with the sender, either in Nigeria or a neighboring country. This is purportedly to finalize the transfer of the cash.
People who have gone to meet up with the con artists have been swindled out of more money, and sometimes they have been kidnapped, assaulted or even killed. Other times, victims are convinced to buy a special, extremely expensive money-cleaning solution to process a suitcase of "money" that is actually stacks of black paper.
Put an End to the Scam
Even though 4-1-9 scams may seem clearly suspicious to some, others have been taken in by the promise of a large, easy payoff. Sometimes, victims of the fraud are too embarrassed to come forward. If you have been affected by a 4-1-9 scam, speak with an attorney from Cronin Law Firm in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Copyright ©2009 FindLaw, a Thomson Business
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
