It used to be that criminals went down to 7 Eleven with a gun and robbed the place. These days, they just go on their computers to rob you. It has become so common that it’s scary. I have a friend in Colorado whose law firm website was hacked by ransomware. They paid $120,000.00 to get their computers back.

Crooks send emails that are so real looking that it is scary. By all means, be extremely careful before clicking on any links that come in an email. The worst scenario is the situation where people call you on the phone and they convince you that to let them log into your computer remotely. In these situations, they can access your bank account and drain your accounts.

A lot of scams involve Covid 19. Common types of COVID-19 scams include:

• Fake health organizations. Scammers pose as health authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to offer cures, tests, or other COVID-19 information.
• Websites that sell fake products. These sites offer face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and other high-demand products that never arrive. Buy products from known marketers only.
• Bogus government sources. These scammers claim to issue updates and payments on behalf of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or local tax authority.
• Fraudulent financial offers. Scammers may pose as banks, debt collectors, or investors with offers designed to steal your financial information.
• Fake nonprofit donation requests. Many people like to donate to charitable causes to help with disaster relief. This provides an excellent opportunity for scammers to set up fake nonprofits, hospitals, and other organizations to collect funds. Donate directly through a reputable nonprofit’s website instead of clicking on a link you receive by email or text.

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.

Sometimes with the emotions that arise, in the heat of the moment, people who are stopped by the police decide to do things they may not have thought through. They may refuse to sign the summons, or give a false name. Don’t do it. You are just creating additional problems for yourself.

Refusing to sign a traffic ticket.
If you are charged with a criminal traffic violation or any violation that calls for a mandatory hearing, you MUST sign and accept the citation as a promise to appear in court. This is true even if you believe you were wrongfully arrested or accused.

You may be furious that you were unjustly charged with an offense; or, you
may incorrectly believe that your signature in and of itself is an admission of guilt (It is not). Whether the police got it right or wrong, you must sign the citation and battle it out later in court. Failure to sign or accept a citation may cost you sixty days in jail.

Sign the citation and avoid an additional criminal charge. Rest assured that
your signature does not mean you agree with the charges or that you have
admitted culpability. As soon as you can, hire an experienced criminal traffic lawyer to fight your case.

What should I do if I am already charged with Failure to Accept or Sign Summons?
If you have been charged with Failure to Accept or Sign Summons, contact
an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. A lawyer
experienced in criminal law will know how to fight against your charges.

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.