Practice Areas

Advance fee fraud tricks people into making upfront payments for goods, services, or opportunities that never materialize. These payments may be for concert tickets, vehicle deposits, or even so-called inheritance taxes.

Scammers promise rewards but fail to deliver.

Common Types of Advance Fee Fraud

Doorstep Scams (including builders, roofers, and gardeners)

Scammers pose as tradespeople (e.g., roofers, builders, or gardeners), offer emergency services, and demand full or partial payment upfront, typically for materials. After payment, they delay the work or disappear. Always check credentials, get written quotes, and never pay in full upfront.

Rental Scams

Criminals advertise rental properties and request a deposit before you have viewed the property. In some cases, the property does not exist at all, or it has been rented to multiple victims simultaneously. Always inspect the property in person or through a trusted representative before making any payment.

419 Scams / West African Letter Scams

These scams offer a large sum of money in exchange for help with transferring funds or making an investment, but require ever-increasing upfront fees. This type of scam is commonly known as the "Nigerian Prince" scam. Never pay fees for such schemes.

Work-from-Home (WFH) Scams

Scammers advertise high-paying jobs with short hours but require you to pay upfront for equipment. You may receive nothing at all or end up with substandard products. Legitimate companies rarely require employees to purchase tools at their own expense.

Psychic Scams

Fraudsters claim to have special knowledge and demand upfront payment to resolve fabricated problems. Be cautious about sharing personal information online, and never pay for psychic readings or counseling.

Inheritance Scams

Scammers pose as lawyers, claiming a distant relative has left you an inheritance. They request upfront payment for fees, taxes, or legal costs, which keep increasing until the scammer disappears. Always verify such claims independently.

Fraud Recovery Scams

After falling victim to fraud, you may be contacted by someone posing as a fraud recovery specialist offering help. They often use your personal information to appear convincing. Only trust verified experts, such as CEL Law.

Secondhand Ticket Scams

Purchasing tickets through unofficial platforms can result in invalid tickets and financial loss. Use reliable sellers like Ticketmaster for resale to avoid losses.