A Pittsburgh Check Fraud Lawyer Securing Your Financial Assets

Banks are responsible for employing the highest possible amount of security when it comes to their clients’ finances and accounts. Unfortunately, scammers have also adapted new and more complex ways to circumvent these security measures. One of the ways they can steal from an individual’s or business’ bank account is through an illegally altered, forged or counterfeited check. This is known as check fraud.

The loss of funds from fraudulent acts like these can be a devastating blow, causing significant financial hardship. For over four and a half decades, attorney Michael J. Betts has dedicated his practice to helping clients seek financial recovery. As your check fraud lawyer, he is ready to provide the hands-on attention and focused strategy your case needs.

Understanding Different Types Of Check Fraud

Check fraud can take many forms, from a simple forged signature to a more complex check scheme. This includes:

• Counterfeit checks: Perpetrators often use software and printers to create fake checks that look real. They may have an organization’s account and routing numbers, allowing them to create a counterfeit check that can be cashed or deposited.
• Altered checks: This type of fraud involves a legitimate check where the perpetrator alters the payee’s name or the payment amount. These changes can be subtle, making them hard to detect without close inspection or advanced bank fraud protection services. As a seasoned altered check attorney, Mr. Betts has the knowledge and experience to help you file a claim against financial institutions that fail to prevent these types of losses.
• Forged endorsements: A perpetrator may forge the endorsement on the back of a check, then deposit it at a financial institution. This type of fraud can also involve a missing or improper endorsement on a check payable to multiple parties.
• Mobile deposit fraud: This occurs when a criminal deposits a check using a mobile app and then cashes the same physical check at a check-cashing location. The check-cashing facility may then seek payment from the person or business that wrote the check, leading to a legal dispute.
• Internal fraud: This is when an employee or corporate insider with access to financial operations issues company checks to themselves or an accomplice. This type of fraud often happens gradually over a long period.

These fraudulent activities can cause significant losses for both individuals and businesses. The legal issues surrounding these cases can be complex, as they may fall under both state and federal law. Understanding these different types of fraud is a critical first step, as it helps attorney Betts identify the appropriate course of action for your case.

The Difference Between State And Federal Check Fraud Laws

In Pennsylvania, a check fraud case can proceed in either state or federal court, depending on the scope of the crime. Federal jurisdiction typically applies to large-scale schemes that cross state lines or target federally insured banks, while state courts handle most local cases.

While a criminal case may lead to court-ordered restitution, your ability to recover funds is dependent on a legal process you do not control. The government drives a criminal case. This can be a long process, and the final restitution order depends on the perpetrator’s ability to pay.

A civil lawsuit may offer a more direct path to recovery. Even if a criminal case is pursued, a victim can file a civil litigation case in a Pennsylvania court to directly sue the perpetrator for financial losses. A successful civil claim can result in a judgment to recover lost funds, as well as additional damages and legal fees, provided the perpetrator can be identified and has assets.

The Role Of A Check Fraud Lawyer

If you have been a victim of check fraud, a check fraud attorney can be an invaluable asset in a complex financial matter. Their services go beyond simply advising you to contact your bank. As your legal representative, attorney Betts can conduct a thorough investigation into the fraud, working to trace the transaction and identify the parties responsible.

Attorney Betts can also handle all communication with the bank on your behalf, preparing and filing formal claims to assert your rights under state and federal law, such as the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). If the bank fails to resolve the issue, he can help you pursue legal action.

Get Dedicated Counsel For High-Stakes Matters

Your financial recovery deserves focused attention. Attorney Betts takes on a limited number of cases, ensuring your situation receives the hands-on legal guidance it demands. Schedule your consultation at Michael J. Betts LLC today to discuss your case. Call his Pittsburgh office at 412-899-6827 or fill out the online form here.