Reputable Tennessee Defense Attorneys for People Facing Federal Charges of Mass Marketing Fraud
Helping individuals and business owners in and around the Tri-Cities, Greeneville, Sevier County and East Tennessee
If you have an email account, then you’ve received the request: a Nigerian Prince has millions of dollars he wants to give to you to hold until he can collect it. You’ll be compensated fairly for your help. All you need to do is send him your banking information, and you’ll be an instant millionaire.
Or perhaps “Rachel from Cardmember Services” has called, offering you an obscenely low interest rate on your credit card for a one-time fee. All you have to do press “1” and give the operator your credit card information.
Schemes like these can lead to charges of wire fraud, securities fraud or internet crimes, but they’re technically a type of mass marketing fraud. The problem, of course, is that not everyone understands how mass marketing works – and that can lead to federal charges, even when it shouldn’t. At Delius & McKenzie, PLLC, we work with business owners and operators who stand accused of fraudulent marketing practices, and develop creative strategies on their behalf. We have earned a reputation throughout East Tennessee for aggressive, comprehensive representation. Let us help.
What is mass marketing fraud?
The US Department of Justice defines mass marketing fraud as “any fraud scheme that uses one or more mass-communication methods – such as the Internet, telephones, the mail, or in-person meetings – to fraudulently solicit or transact with numerous prospective victims or to transfer fraud proceeds to financial institutions or others connected with the scheme.”
Therefore, winning a prize of a free vacation, but having to endure an hour-long sales pitch about time sharing possibilities, is not an example of mass market fraud; neither are work opportunities through multi-level marketing companies like Avon, Mary Kay, or Amway. However, the DOJ does list a number of common marketing schemes which could lead to federal charges:
Advance-Fee Fraud Schemes:
- Online-Auction and Online-Retail
- Business Opportunity or Work-at-Home
- Charity Schemes
- Credit-Card Interest Reduction
- Inheritance Schemes
- Foreign Lottery/Prize/Sweepstakes
- Online Sales/Counterfeit Cashier’s Check/Overpayment
- “Romance” Schemes
Bank and Financial Account Schemes:
- Phishing
- Vishing
Investment Opportunity Schemes:
- “Pump-and-Dump”
- Short-Selling
When do you need a lawyer?
If you have been the subject of any state or federal inquiries, or if the police stop by for a “friendly chat,” or if you receive official documentation from a government official questioning the legitimacy of your business, you should seek legal counsel immediately. If you believe you are about to be charged with a crime, you should seek legal counsel immediately. If the FBI suspects you of fraud, they can obtain a search warrant and raid your business, even if no one is arrested or even charged that day.
If you are convicted of mass marketing fraud, you may end up in federal prison. The amount of time you are sentenced to is contingent on how many charges you are convicted on, and who the target was; defrauding a government body can lead to 30 years of prison. Your assets will be seized, and you could face millions in fine, fees and restitution. Seeking the help of an experienced federal defense attorney from Delius & McKenzie, PLLC could be the difference between going to prison and going free.
Defending clients against federal charges of mass marketing fraud
The attorneys of Delius & McKenzie, PLLC have the resources, the skills and the experience you want on your side when you are facing federal charges. From our office in Sevierville, we proudly serve clients throughout East Tennessee, including those in and around Bristol, Johnson City, Kingsport, Greeneville, Seymour, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Please call 865-428-8780 or fill out our contact form to speak with a lawyer if you have been charged with mass marketing fraud.
