Employment scams could get you into trouble

For many residents of Illinois, the thought of facing criminal charges is an alarming one. Many would not dream of breaking the law or engaging in fraudulent activity. Yet every year, many innocent individuals are investigated on suspicion of involvement in such schemes, despite not doing anything wrong. Sometimes simply associating with the wrong people can be enough to bring you under suspicion.

For example, some scams operate by encouraging the victim to deposit a check and then refund the difference to the sender. They wire their money across, only to discover that the check bounces some time later. One such scam has been targeting college students in Illinois as they strive to earn some extra income baby-sitting.

Unfortunately, even depositing a fraudulent check is very risky business. Some banks hold consumers liable for their deposits and this can lead to criminal charges for the victim. Similarly, repeated dealings or even a one-off interaction with a known scammer could put you at risk of being implicated in a conspiracy. Although officers will investigate in depth to determine whether their suspicions are correct, the process can be long and emotionally taxing.

It can be difficult to unveil the truth in such situations, so if you have been charged with fraud of any kind, you might benefit from the support of an attorney. He or she can evaluate your circumstances and may be able to help you present your side of the story to the court. With the right guidance, you may be able to clear your name and avoid conviction, protecting both your reputation and your future.

Source: ABC 7, “NANNY SCAMS TARGET COLLEGE KIDS,” Dec. 23, 2014