About WJFA

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is WJFA's mission?

A: WJFA is a beacon of light for fraud victims to find their way and to know they are not alone.

We do the following:

1) educate the public about common frauds;

2) provide how-to-techniques for crime victims that have to resolve their crime in civil court;

3) provide guidelines for filing an effective criminal complaint;

4) provide crime victims a voice by telling their story; and

5) provide a support group to find solace and support or strategies.

Q: What makes WJFA unique?

A: WJFA is a public service. We do not sell anything, pitch any products, endorse any products or person, sell any service, or expect anything of people seeking help here.

WJFA is a collaboration of former crime victims, experts, and activists. Because we have been in the belly of the beast, we know better than anyone what crime victims are experiencing emotionally, physically, and financially.

Q: How can I help?

A: We need more volunteers. We receive many submissions from crime victims and from people who want to help be part of the solution.

If you are a good internet researchers we could use your skills. We also are looking for more volunteers to help crime victims by reviewing their submissions for possible posting to the web site.

Are you good at counseling people? Do you have a kind soul and empathy for people feeling angry and victimized? We need people that enjoy helping others. It would just be now and then and at your pace. Contact us to volunteer.

Everyone participating is a volunteer. WJFA is about paying it forward.

Q: Isn't fraud no big deal and the victims should just get over it?

A: No! Fraud is a huge issue and when the crime is a life altering event and then the crime victim falls through the cracks of the justice system, there is no closure for them. It is an emotional mugging.

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Blame the Whistle Blower

When Frank Stephens blew the whistle on American Traveler Press, Inc. (ATP) misappropriating federal funds, he anticipated justice. He was wrong.

Doing the right thing cost Stephens $120,000 from the fraud in addition to losing his business.

Typically, fraud victims, suffer large-scale losses, such as a stolen homes, life savings, or businesses.

Sadly, for many fraud victims, the crime depleted them of all financial resources, so, they are not able to litigate the crime in civil court. Too many crime victims report losing everything, and or, are permanently financially ruined.

For victims that were able to obtain a civil court judgment, they report being feeling further victimized when the guilty person is allowed to wash their hands of their crime in the bankruptcy court. Once the thief is allowed to wash away the crime, then the victim is prevented from recovering anything.

Q: Do you provide legal referrals, legal advice, or advocate for me?

A: We are not attorneys and cannot provide any legal advice. If you want to talk to other crime victims to learn how they dealt with their crimes in civil court being their own attorney, join the forum/support group. Also see our In Pro Per section for many tips and guides provided by former crime victims.

Q: How did WJFA get started?

A: As fraud victims fell through the cracks of the justice system, and not knowing what to do next, they sought each other for insight. We then decided to pay it forward to other crime victims seeking help and solace.

Q: Can't victims recover their losses from the criminal in civil court?

A: Rarely. Perpetrators consider civil court a red letter day because their actions are no longer a crime.

Example:

Theft of a home is a felony offense punishable with time in prison and restitution to the crime victim.
Yet, when crime victims fall through the cracks of the justice system, their only option is civil court to resolve the crime.

Civil courts, however, are strictly about resolving disputes between people. It cannot adjudicate crimes.
In the case of the stolen home, civil court judges and attorneys must address the issue as two people disagreeing about ownership of the home.

This puts all the burden and litigating cost on the crime victim.

Victims overwhelmingly report feeling confused, betrayed, and angry, about having to resolve the crime in civil court because they want justice and the crime undone.

Instead, they report feeling pressured to arbitrate, settle the case, and or pay the perpetrator to "Buy their Peace."

See the Jerry Ponsky and Al Seastrand and Vincent L. Abell stories and what the victims endured.