Louisiana readers may be aware that fraud is only one type of white collar crime, but it can be one of the more destructive. In some cases, what one person calls a scam may not be, and in those instances, you have a right to defend your reputation or company’s reputation. A person unhappy with your services should not be able to claim funds or get you in trouble with the law when things don’t go their way.
While your company may be legitimate, this company is now in question over the chance that it is fraudulent. Recent news from Bossier states that the Bossier Financial Crimes Task Force has had to advise residents about fraudulent activity related to a website for a company called Pine Valley Financial. According to their information, the website offers assistance to those who want to secure a loan, but at least one of the people who has used its services has been left with a loss.
According to the woman who used the site, she was contacted by the company after she was turned down for a small $5,000 loan online. She was turned down by a different vendor, according to the report, and it isn’t clear how the site ended up with her name, her need for a loan or email. The company allegedly told her to wire a portion of the money, $800, as collateral, and then it would send the loan to her account. However, that was over two weeks ago, according to the report from Nov. 1. Now, she’s out $800 and claims she never received the loan.
If you’re running a loan agency and have been accused of fraud, you may just be dealing with unhappy patrons, but you do have a right to protect your reputation. Seeking the advice of an attorney may help you decide what to do in your particular situation.
Source:
Shreveport Times, “Bossier officials warn of online scam” No Author Given, Nov. 01, 2013