by Brian Mahany
I couldn’t help but smile when I read the full page headline on page C1 of the Weekend Edition of the Wall Street Journal – “Violence Vanquished.” The author of that piece, Steven Pinker, is actually correct; we don’t kill and maim our brother man nearly as much as we did in past centuries. Unfortunately, we still steal from one another.
If you are expecting a scholarly article like the one written by Pinker, stop reading right now. I don’t know about bank fraud or embezzlement in the Middle Ages but I suspect it wasn’t a problem. Back then we just clubbed one another and took what we wanted.
Fraud is a difficult and insidious problem in our modern society. By its very nature and definition it involves deceit. As the world becomes more complex, the opportunities for fraud multiply. Middle men, government inspectors, transportation companies, electronic trading, banks, contracts, the Internet and interstate commerce breed fraud.
While fraud may be increasing, we are not powerless to deal with the threat. Courts and cops are slowly coming to realize that identity thieves are a major menace to our economy. White collar criminals are now seeing prison sentences more commensurate with their crimes.
As long as we have commerce, there will be fraud. While our elected officials and courts are making some inroads, a solution to the problem is not likely in our lifetime. Unfortunately, when authorities do take action, it’s usually to prosecute the and punish the offender. The criminal justice system is ill-equipped to make victims whole.
If you are the victim of a complex fraud, contact an asset recovery professional. We can often help get back your hard earned money. Many former prosecutors, special agents and forensic accountants now work in the private sector and specialize in fraud recovery – emphasis on the word recovery.
To navigate the civil courts, you need a lawyer. Many will work on a contingent fee basis. While no one can guarantee you will ever be made whole – most fraud victims unfortunately are never truly the same as they were before – fighting back and getting back what was taken from you can still deliver a tremendous amount of satisfaction.
If you are the victim of a fraud – investment fraud, bank fraud, stockbroker scam, phony tax shelter or Ponzi scheme – call us. Attorney Brian Mahany is on the Board of Advisors of the International Association for Asset Recovery and a former prosecutor and agent. Everyday, the fraud lawyers at Mahany & Ertl help people get back their lost funds. For a confidential consultation, contact Brian at (414) 704-6731 (direct) or by email at
Mahany & Ertl, LLC – America’s Fraud Lawyers. Offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Detroit, Michigan & Portland, Maine. Services available in most states.