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Don't Ever Give Up!

We know fraud is an emotional mugging; and if you fall through the cracks of the justice system it is another trauma added on to you.

Please don't ever give up. Keep telling yourself that you are a victor in your life and don't let the animal that did this to you, steal your life.

We have walked in your shoes and know what you are dealing with and how you feel.

This page will help you determine if what happened to you is considered a crime and what you can to take action.

Check with the button, above, for the category that best describes your crime. It will take you to that section where you will find definitions and explanations of the types of crimes.

How File a Criminal Complaint

We know how difficult it is telling your story.

Most victims do not have an understanding of the justice system, how it operates, and, how to articulate exactly what happened and why is was fraud.

Law enforcement or prosecutors that try to help you are often blind sighted by the victim's inability to communicate.

Example Complaint is a form that demonstrate how to effectively compile your information and what information to include.

This link also has a list of the government agencies that investigate fraud and what type of fraud so you deal with the correct investigative agency.

Key points: Rewrite your story many times, until you get it in a format, where others can quickly understand your grievance. The key is to keep it brief and stick to the facts. Think like Sgt. Joe Friday, when he'd tell witnesses, "Just the facts, ma'am."

Avoid the pitfalls of:

• insulting;
• attacking;
• rambling on; and
• too much detail;

If you need guidance or insight, please join our support group. People in the group have been through your kind of fraud and understand what you are feeling.

Crime Victims in Civil Court

If you are like so many fraud victims denied justice, you are forced to resolve the crime against you in civil court.

Litigating many types of fraud — especially felony offenses — is a slippery slope.

If this is you, there several issues you need to be aware of for the best results.

First, if you're like so many of us and have to be your attorney, WJFA has a wealth of information in the In Pro Per section. Also the support group can provide you with a good foundation of support and insight.

WJFA Tips

1. There will never be justice in the civil courts because civil courts cannot process criminal cases. Civil courts are for dispute resolutions. This can be treacherous for unsuspecting fraud victims.

2. There are too may options available for criminals to avoid accountability, leaving the victim double victimized and without closure:

a) In civil court you are the challenger, therefore, you have the burden of proof;

b) Orchestrating a scheme to obstruct justice by lying, concealing evidence, perjury, etc;

c) Ceasing operation of the business that committed the crime;

d) Filing bankruptcy to wash their hands of the crime;

e) Subjecting the victim to unrelenting abuse in the form of sullying their character, making unsubstantiated accusations; and

f) A system that allows, encourages, and tolerates, attorneys engaging in unethical conduct or lapses of moral judgment to help their clients get away with a crime.

Example: there are laws in place that prevent anyone from filing a bankruptcy to get out from under a fraud.

Yet, there are too many cases that bankruptcy trustees and the courts are allowing the crooks to wash their hands of the crime.

The theft of a home is a felony offense with imprisonment of five years in most states. Yet, look at the number of victims forced in to civil court to get their home back while the thief is still on the street to prey on others.

Just remember, civil courts are about disputes, and don't expect justice, because civil courts are designed for justice. They are strictly for settling settling disputes. You can get a judgment against the crook.

Small Claims actions

For smaller frauds, you can sue the person in small claims court even if you don't know the address of the thief. Use his last known address.

Most small claims courts have legal clinics with law students that help advice or direct you.

Once you receive the judgment against the person, you have several options. If you know they own a home, you can get from the court a writ of judgment that you record at a county recorder against the person's home. This is known as a judgment lien. They have to pay if they sell or refinance the home.

The county will mail the recorded lien back to you with all the official court and county stamps on it. Make copies and then mail to all the credit reporting agencies.

Victims of Corporate Fraud

The Victims of Corporate Fraud Compensation Fund (VCFCF) provides restitution to victims of corporate fraud. The VCFCF also holds corporations accountable for fraud judgments, which leads to increased consumer confidence throughout the state of California.

The statutes and regulations governing applications for payment from the VCFCF are set forth in California Corporations Code sections 1502, 1502.5, and 2117 and in Title 2, Division 7 of the California Code of Regulations, Chapter 12, sections 22500 et seq.How the VCFCF Works

There are several important prerequisites to qualify for payment from the VCFCF. A claimant must have a final court judgment, arbitration award, or criminal restitution order dated January 1, 2003 or thereafter. The judgment, arbitration award, or order must be based on corporate fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit made with intent to defraud. For additional requirements, please refer to the application requirements.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. The VCFCF may award up to $20,000 per transaction. In order to ensure restitution to all claimants who qualify, the Secretary of State may prorate the amount of an award if the aggregate valid claims exceed funds available for distribution.

Although the Secretary of State does not investigate or prosecute corporate fraud or any type of civil or criminal action against corporations, there are several agencies and resources available to assist in this area.

More detailed information on application procedures can be found on the Application Instructions and Forms page.

Support Groups

Check with your local district attorney's office to determine if it has a victim's program. Some will pay or provide counseling for victims that need help coping with what happened to them.

WJFA support group for fraud victims and victims denied justice. Because we have been in the belly of the beast, we know better than anyone what you are going through. We have a stellar support group/forum, with a wealth of experience. Mostly it helps victims to find others that understand their trauma, stress, anger, depression, despair, and helplessness.

Still Standing PTSD support group of people that suffer from trauma and depression from a crime and being denied justice. It doesn't cost anything. It's people that have walked in your shoes.

Uncommon Minds This is a yahoo group created to give support for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, but there are people in there that have been through a traumatic event. These boards are full of people that can offer insight and support in dealing with life struggles and problems.

White-Collar Crime Groups

The list below are some organizations focused on victims's rights or changing the system. WJFA makes no endorsement or guarantees of their service or activities. Proceed with caution as you would with any group.

WJFA is a Sacramento-based nationwide organization that is unique because its focus is about solutions for fraud victims denied justice while providing a voice for the victims, and exposing career criminals, and common crimes. The group is incorporating to be a 501c public benefit organization in order to take a more proactive role in helping fraud victims.

Halt is a Washington D.C.-based national organization advocating dramatic reform in lawyer disciplining and other judicial reforms. It has been around for about 25 years . They say that if you've had problems with attorneys, it is a good place to start.

Identity Theft Resource Center is San Diego-based nonprofit organization serving the country. The site provides types of ID scams and how to protect yourself. It is a resource center, not advocacy.

Judicial Watch is a Washington D.C.-based organization established in 1994 to serve as an ethical and legal "watchdog" over government, legal, and judicial systems to promote a return to ethics and morality.

Redress, Inc. is a Nevada-based organization focused on reform of courtrooms (judges, lawyers and court personnel); law enforcement; social help programs funded by state or federal money; the IRS, and more. It serves as a clearing house.

Scam Victims United Michigan-based group web site for internet scam victims. It offers a message board for victims to vent their anger. It is for Michigan people.

Wells of Justice is a nationwide, ad hoc, group of volunteers working to expose authorities within the bankruptcy system that victimize debtors, creditors, and businesses.