Understanding online fraud matters
An online fraud inquiry can involve a misleading investment, an impersonated business contact, a false relationship or unauthorized account activity. The starting point is to distinguish what was represented, what was paid and what the available records can establish.
False investments and trading platforms
Relevant records may include investment offers, promises about returns, account statements and unsuccessful withdrawal requests. A displayed account balance should be recorded separately from the amount actually transferred or received.
Bank transfers and business impersonation
Changed invoices, altered payment instructions and emails impersonating a supplier can raise different issues from an unauthorized account transfer. Original emails, recipient details and the time the problem was discovered help clarify that distinction.
Romance, social media and identity fraud
Messages, profile links, usernames and requests for money can help connect an online identity to a payment timeline. Record what is known about the people involved and identify details that remain unverified.
For losses involving digital wallets or exchanges, see our cryptocurrency fraud and asset recovery guide.
What a legal review can assess
Whitmore & Bennett, LLP assesses online fraud matters from its New York office. A review considers the evidence and practical recovery questions together, including the jurisdictions involved and the need for appropriately licensed local counsel.
The chronology and the evidence
We compare the account of what happened with messages, payment confirmations and platform records. Missing information and inconsistencies are identified so that further work has a clear purpose.
Potentially relevant parties and assets
We consider identifiable recipients, businesses, accounts or service providers and any evidence connecting them to the loss. A name or account appearing in a record does not, by itself, establish liability.
Available legal routes
Depending on the facts, the review may consider reports to relevant institutions, evidence preservation, potential civil claims and lawful requests for information. Court applications and cross-border steps require applicable legal grounds and procedure.
Proportionality, cost and limitations
The amount at issue, quality of the evidence, ability to identify responsible parties and availability of assets affect the proposed approach. The scope, fees and material limitations are discussed before an engagement is agreed.
Records to preserve
Organize a working copy of the records while keeping originals intact. A short, accurate summary is usually more useful for an initial inquiry than an unstructured collection of screenshots.
- A dated timeline
Record when contact began, what was offered, each payment, any withdrawal attempt and when the suspected fraud became apparent. Include time zones where known and mark estimates as estimates.
- Payment information
Keep confirmations showing dates, amounts, currency, payment method and reference numbers. Separate payments sent, repayments actually received and any balance merely displayed by a platform.
- Original communications
Retain emails, available email headers, chat exports, messages and attachments. Preserve profile links and usernames alongside dated screenshots rather than relying on screenshots alone.
- Platform and reporting records
Keep the exact website addresses, account statements, relevant agreements and any correspondence with a bank, payment provider, police or regulator. Retain report or complaint reference numbers.
How an initial consultation works
Send a brief inquiry
Use the consultation page to describe the type of matter, approximate dates, the amount involved and how the funds were transferred. Describe the records available without attaching sensitive documents.
Clarify the relevant information
The firm reviews the overview to assess whether the matter fits its services and what additional information may be needed. If further records are requested, agree on an appropriate method for sharing them.
Consider any proposed engagement
If further work is proposed, review the scope, fees, assumptions, risks and practical limitations. Sending an inquiry or receiving an initial assessment does not establish an attorney–client relationship.
Common questions about online fraud
Can I make an inquiry if I do not know the person's real identity?
Yes. Explain which details are confirmed and which are unverified. Payment references, original messages, website addresses and account information may provide useful leads. Whether a responsible party can be identified requires assessment.
Should I wait for a police or IC3 response before seeking legal advice?
You can ask about legal options while a report is pending. The FBI's IC3 accepts internet-crime complaints but cannot guarantee a response to every report. Reporting and an assessment of possible civil claims are separate processes.
Can you guarantee a refund or a recovery date?
No. Recovery depends on the evidence, applicable law, identification of relevant parties and whether assets can be reached. An assessment may also conclude that a proposed step would be impractical or disproportionate to the likely benefit.
What should I leave out of my first message?
Do not include passwords, account access codes, cryptocurrency private keys, seed phrases, full bank account numbers or identity documents. Start with a brief factual summary and describe the types of records you hold.
Start with a clear account of what happened.
Share a brief overview of the matter and the records available. An initial inquiry helps identify what information may be needed for an assessment.
Request a consultation