Fraud cases involving fake charitable donations

Fraud cases involving fake charitable donations

Case Overview:

The case involved a Ms. Ke living in Florida who came across a charitable organization on social media that claimed to be set up to help local children affected by disasters. The organization asked donors to donate via wire transfer and promised that all donations would be used to help the children affected by the disaster. Ko donated a total of $2,000 via wire transfer on two occasions after seeing the touching promotional video. However, a few months later, she found out that the group had never registered with any official channels or actually carried out any relief activities. Realizing she had been scammed, she immediately contacted our law firm for legal assistance.

Legal Response:

Initial communication and victim counseling:
Our team of lawyers first conducted a detailed preliminary consultation to understand in detail Ms. Ke's deception experience, the scammers' contact information, donation records and other relevant information. Through this consultation, we confirmed the basic situation of the case and worked out a preliminary legal strategy. In addition, we provided psychological support to Ms. Ke to help her ease the disappointment and anxiety caused by the fraud, so as to better cooperate with the subsequent legal action.

Background of the investigation platform:
Using a professional charity database, we investigated the organization's registration information and activity records, and found that the organization had never registered with any official channels. We collected all the social media interactions with the scammers and analyzed the scammers' online activity trail through technical means. Working with Ms. Ke's bank, they tracked the money flow of the donations and found the path and final direction of the money transfer.

Cross-border tracing and cooperation:
We assisted Ms. Ke in reporting the case to the local police and provided all the evidentiary materials collected. We worked closely with the police to coordinate the investigation process and provide legal advice and support.

Litigation and Fund Recovery:
On the basis of full preparation, we filed a civil lawsuit in a Florida State court against the scammers, seeking the return of the defrauded funds and monetary damages. We filed an asset freezing order, which successfully froze some of the scammers' assets and prevented further transfer of property. During the course of the lawsuit, we actively negotiated with the other party and eventually reached a settlement agreement. The swindlers agreed to return most of the defrauded funds and assume certain liability for compensation.

Case Outcome:

Through the professional services and tireless efforts of our team of lawyers, this case was finally brought to a successful conclusion. Ms. Ke not only successfully recovered most of the defrauded funds, but also obtained the corresponding financial compensation. In addition, the success of the case also provides valuable prevention experience for others who have similar experiences, and enhances the awareness of fraud prevention in society.