Common Ghana Scams & Penalties Explained By NY Defense Lawyer
NY defense lawyer Countries throughout West Africa have a reputation for residents perpetrating scams against people in the United States and Europe. Ghana is no exception. While Nigeria is best-known for advance fee scams where people pay to help fake Nigerian princes get funds out of the country, Ghana is better known for online dating and romance scams. However, any type of fraud schemes operated by people in Ghana can be considered Ghana scams… and can lead to criminal prosecution in the United States if U.S. authorities are able to catch the perpetrators.
Bukh Law Firm, PLLC is a New York City based criminal defense law firm that represents clients from throughout West Africa who are accused of Internet, mail, or telephone scams. Our attorneys will ensure you enjoy all constitutional protections the U.S. justice system provides to defendants accused of wrongdoing. We understand how federal prosecutors present evidence with the goal of convicting defendants, and our legal team will help you to develop the most effective strategy possible to try to avoid prison and minimize penalties and consequences. Call us today to learn more.
What are Ghana Scams?
Ghana scams can refer broadly to any instances in which misleading statements are made via phone, fax, or email in order to obtain money, financial information, or personal information under false pretenses.
The Embassy of the United States warns that romance scams are an especially common type of scam operated by people in Ghana or claiming to live in Ghana. Romance scams occur when an individual uses an online dating service or a social network to make a fake romantic connection. Often, a fake profile or persona is created on the dating or social network site using a photograph of someone very attractive.
Contact is made and a relationship is built up via email, or sometimes via phone. Once trust is established, the person being scammed may be asked to send money, to provide financial or personal information, or to send sexually-explicit photographs.
Often, the money is sent to allegedly pay for a ticket to the United States, or to help with an emergency like a need to pay rent or deal with a sick relative. People who are tricked by Ghana scams may also send gifts, or may agree to deposit checks (which turn out to be fraudulent) and wire money to foreign accounts.
Ghana scams can also take other forms including career opportunity scams, foreign lottery scams, or advance fee scams. There is a broad range of different ways in which people can be tricked into giving up money or personal details that could be used for identity theft- all of which can be considered fraud.
Penalties for Ghana Scams
Those in Ghana who perpetrate fraud against people in the United States are usually beyond the reach of U.S. authorities, who don’t have the resources, authority, or ability go to Ghana to investigate and make arrests. However, if you visit the United States or a country that will extradite to the U.S., you could find yourself arrested and facing serious federal criminal charges.
Defendants accused of Ghana scams can be charged with a wide range of federal offenses, including mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and identity theft. Each of these offenses carries a long possible jail term, with mail and wire fraud alone resulting in maximum prison sentences of 30 years each when a financial institution was defrauded.
Defendants who are found guilty may also be required to make restitution and pay criminal fines. Civil lawsuits may also be filed in an effort to recover funds obtained unlawfully in scams.
How a NY Defense Lawyer Helps Ghana Defendants Accused of Fraud
At Bukh Law Firm, PLLC, our New York City criminal defense firm is passionate about fighting for the rights of those accused of wrongful acts. When you are from Ghana, navigating the criminal justice system is very confusing. Our legal team helps both foreign clients and U.S. citizens to understand and protect their rights, to develop effective responses to charges, and to pursue all options to try to avoid penalties for alleged criminal acts. Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring our legal experience to your case to help you fight serious charges that could change your life.
