In the age of technology, bankruptcy scams are becoming more and more prevalent, posing serious risks to Ohio residents. If you want to file for bankruptcy and start the process of choosing a bankruptcy lawyer, you need to know what to watch out for.
Are you worried about falling victim to Ohio bankruptcy fraud? If so, check out this article, where we will be discussing how to avoid debt relief scams and fake bankruptcy attorneys.
Red Flags of Bankruptcy Scams
Nobody wants to fall victim to a scam, but this can be especially devastating if you are already in a substantial amount of debt. Especially since there are many scammers who specifically target people who are searching for bankruptcy resources or debt relief options.
Despite how prevalent these scams are, there are several red flags you can watch out for, such as:
- Predatory loan offers: There are many predatory lenders that target people who are already in debt. These predatory lenders often offer quick cash loans that are very easy to apply for but secretly come with high interest rates and hidden fees. Even in cases that are not scams, it is never a good idea to rely on loans as a way of managing debt.
- Quick debt relief: Anything that offers quick debt relief should be approached with extreme caution. This can apply to lenders, debt forgiveness programs, bankruptcy lawyers, etc.
- Lack of clarity: If you are navigating the bankruptcy process, every step of the way needs to be clear. If a bankruptcy attorney isn’t being clear about their services but has substantial upfront fees, you need to proceed with caution. This also applies to fake debt relief companies that promise amazing results without explaining what they actually do.
- Bad advice: If a company or an attorney gives you bad bankruptcy advice, it is very likely that this could be a scam. For instance, they may pressure you to stop communicating with creditors as a way of avoiding debt, which is never a good option.
- Cheap services: Any individual or organization that offers cheap services should always be closely examined. You may be looking into hiring a bankruptcy petition preparer or attorney, and you need to understand what the average rates are. Cheap services often provide poor quality results, or you may not get what you paid for at all.
Keep in mind that bankruptcy scams can come in different forms, such as phishing scams that pretend to be creditors or bankruptcy lawyers. Additionally, scams involving loans, petition preparers, and debt relief companies can all be a substantial risk.
How to Choose a Reputable Bankruptcy Attorney
One of the most important steps you will take when you begin the bankruptcy process is hiring a bankruptcy attorney. Although this task can feel daunting, it is essential if you want your case to be successful.
Something to keep in mind is that there are bankruptcy scams related to seeking legal guidance. Because of this, you need to know how to find a reputable bankruptcy attorney who is who they say they are and will provide the legal services you need.
Client Reviews
Reading client reviews for bankruptcy attorneys is a great way of understanding how successful their track record is. Not only does this help you find out if past clients were happy with their services, but this can also help you weed out low-quality or scam attorneys.
Service Clarity
Any type of organization or individual who is not clear about what they provide is an automatic red flag. The same role applies to bankruptcy attorneys, as they should be able to clearly outline what they bring to the table.
For example, an attorney needs to be upfront about their legal fees and payment structure so that you know exactly what to expect. They should also be able to show their approach to bankruptcy cases and how they will handle your case.
Legal Credentials
In Ohio, bankruptcy attorneys are required to have certain credentials to practice the law. These credentials should be easily accessible either through the attorney’s website or their office.
It can even be helpful to look up the types of credentials that bankruptcy attorneys in Ohio should have so that you can spot fake documents.
In-Person Meetings
The last step of authenticating a bankruptcy attorney should be meeting them in person. You may have talked to them over the phone or even had a video meeting, but meeting in person is crucial for making a good decision.
Meeting the attorney in person can help you better understand whether or not they are the right fit for your case, as well as gauge how experienced they are.
FAQ Section
How can I tell if a bankruptcy attorney is legitimate?
A legitimate bankruptcy attorney should have a legal track record, authentic credentials, a website/office, etc.
Are debt settlement companies trustworthy?
While there are legitimate debt settlement companies in Ohio, you need to be incredibly cautious. There are many debt settlement scams, so you should never trust a company that is overly expensive or cheap, doesn’t provide transparency, or promises unrealistic results.
Can I handle bankruptcy without an attorney?
Although it is possible to handle your bankruptcy case without the help of an attorney, this is never recommended. The bankruptcy process can be very complex, and an attorney will help you every step of the way from filing your case to navigating the after-effects of declaring bankruptcy.
What should I do if I’ve been scammed?
If you believe that you have been the victim of a bankruptcy scam, you need to contact the United States Trustee’s Program by email. Provide a summary of your situation, why you believe you have been scammed, along with documentation regarding the potential scam.
Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney in Ohio
Before you proceed with the bankruptcy process, you need to understand the common bankruptcy scams and how to find a legitimate lawyer. Richard P. Arthur, Attorney at Law, has extensive experience handling Ohio bankruptcy cases and can help you safely navigate this process. To move forward with your bankruptcy case, contact us today at 937-254-3738 for a free consultation.