What Can I Do if I Hired a Fake Lawyer?

 Posted on October 30, 2024 in Personal Injury

There is an unfortunate trend of cynical people preying on those who need legal guidance and representation. A recent case where people pretended to be lawyers for several years and ended up cheating clients out of several thousand dollars has highlighted the importance of making sure your lawyer is the real deal. While someone caught posing as a lawyer will face criminal charges, their victims are generally able to pursue a personal injury case. If you have any legal matters you need assistance with, contact an authorized and qualified Los Angeles, CA personal injury attorney for guidance.

3 Signs of a Fake Lawyer

Pretending to be a lawyer and performing the unlawful practice of law is illegal. It can be hard to tell whether someone is posing as a lawyer, but the following are some signs that you are dealing with a scammer:

• Unreasonable pressure to hire them: Frauds manipulate their victims into thinking they have no time to make a decision and have to act fast. This pressure prevents you from taking the time to weigh your options logically and review any customer feedback. Authentic lawyers generally encourage you to understand the implications and make an informed decision.
• Urgent demands for large sums of money: Frauds pressure their victims into making large payments upfront, claiming that these are needed for them to be able to provide you with their legal services. Legitimate law firms generally have a clear retainer fee and payment schedule that is explained before a lawyer begins to represent you.
• Insufficient information: A real lawyer can provide you with their full name and bar number, which you can verify with the California Bar Association. A fake lawyer will have excuses why their number is not available, or will use someone else’s number, which you can easily check online. You can also check whether the phone number and office address the lawyer gives you match the information on their attorney profile with the California State Bar records.

What Happens if I Am Represented by a Fake Lawyer?

Fake lawyers do not have a license to practice law, which means they cannot take defendants to trial. That is why they pressure their clients to accept whatever initial offer is proposed, even when the amount does not come close to covering medical expenses or other damages. The good news is that you have options. First, gather every bit of evidence you can that will show you hired this person under the false pretense that you were communicating with a licensed, authorized lawyer. Next, contact the authorities. You can file a police report about this scam as well as a complaint with the California State Bar about someone committing an unauthorized practice of law. Last, contact a reputable lawyer who can pursue compensation for any losses you suffered.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an LA County, CA Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been scammed by a fake lawyer, Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. can help you hold him or her accountable. A qualified and proven Glendale, CA personal injury attorney from our team can help you navigate the process of seeking compensation for the damage that was caused by this breach of trust and act of fraud. Call us at 818-242-8201 to schedule a free consultation, and we can explain how our credentials can be used to right the wrong that was done to you.