An Atlanta Fraud Attorney Will Provide the Representation You Can Trust

When you’ve been the victim of fraud, the damage goes far beyond lost money — it’s a breach of trust, an attack on your dignity, and a disruption to your business or life.

We focus on high-stakes fraud litigation where the outcome truly matters. We take on a select number of cases so we can devote the full weight of our resources, skill, and attention to each one. Whether it’s embezzlement, corporate misrepresentation, or a complex asset concealment scheme, we bring deep investigative expertise and aggressive courtroom strategy to protect your interests. If one of our  Atlanta fraud attorneys takes your case, it’s because we believe in it — and we’re committed to pursuing the strongest possible result.

Common Types of Civil Fraud Cases

Fraud takes many forms, but at its core, it always involves deception for personal or financial gain. While fraud is a crime, it also leads to the kind of financial harm that is often best addressed through the civil legal system. As an Atlanta fraud attorney representing victims, we handle a wide range of these cases. Below are some of the most common types of fraud our firm has faced.

Investment and Securities Fraud

Investment fraud occurs when someone misrepresents the nature, risks, or returns of an investment opportunity to induce another party to invest money. This can include activities such as Ponzi schemes or unauthorized use of funds. In many cases, victims are promised guaranteed returns or are shown false documents to create the illusion of profitability. We can file a civil lawsuit to help a victim recover the funds they lost.

Real Estate Fraud

Real estate fraud can result in significant financial losses due to the size and scope of these transactions. There are different types of mortgage-related fraud to consider. Victims may be deceived into buying property with hidden defects, paying inflated prices, or unknowingly signing over ownership.

Mortgage fraud is also a growing concern, and can take the form of fraudulent foreclosure rescue services or loan modification scams. Civil claims in these cases often focus on misrepresentation, fraudulent inducement, and unjust enrichment. What these cases ultimately have in common is an intentional effort to defraud a person by using their property or by obtaining funds through a fraudulent loan.

Business Fraud

Fraud within a business partnership or company can be especially damaging because of the inherent trust involved. These cases often include partners, co-owners, or officers misusing company funds, hiding liabilities, or falsifying financial records. One party may enter into side deals, siphon profits, or mislead others during a sale or merger. These internal frauds may also involve breach of fiduciary duty, which occurs when a business partner puts their own interests ahead of the business or other partners. Civil litigation may include claims for fraud, conversion, and breach of contract, with remedies such as damages, accountings, or buyouts.

Contractor Fraud

Contractor fraud often involves taking money for work that is never completed or delivering substandard results far below what was promised. In commercial settings, vendor fraud may include falsified invoices, inflated billing, or unauthorized payments for services never rendered.

These cases can arise in construction projects or procurement settings. Victims of contractor fraud could be anyone, including businesses, homeowners, or even government entities.

Elder Financial Exploitation

Elder financial abuse is one of the most devastating types of fraud, given how difficult it can be to detect. Many older people, especially those living in a nursing facility, lack the capacity to identify or even report fraud as it happens.

Elder financial exploitation can involve caregivers, family members, or financial advisors who deceive an elderly person. This deception can involve handing over money, signing over property, or changing estate plans.

Identity Theft

When someone uses another person’s identity to obtain credit, it’s not just a crime—it’s a civil wrong as well. Victims of identity theft often suffer long-term financial damage, and it can take years to erase the lingering effects of this fraud.

You could have options when it comes to filing suit after identity theft. A case can be brought against not only the perpetrator but also institutions that failed to detect the fraud.

Why Civil Litigation Matters Even if Criminal Charges Are Pending

For many victims of fraud, it’s natural to assume that once the police or prosecutors are involved, the legal system will take care of everything. While criminal charges can lead to penalties such as jail time or fines for the wrongdoer, they rarely provide direct financial relief to victims. That’s where civil litigation becomes essential.

A civil fraud lawsuit allows the victim to seek compensation, return of stolen funds, and even punitive damages through the courts. Unlike the criminal system, which focuses on punishment, the civil process is designed to help victims recover what they lost. Additionally, the burden of proof is lower in civil cases, allowing justice even if a criminal conviction isn’t secured.

It’s also important to remember that criminal investigations can move slowly, and prosecutors often have limited resources. By pursuing a civil claim, you don’t have to wait for government action. You have the chance to pursue financial compensation, court orders, and other measures of justice on your own time. Our firm can coordinate with law enforcement and prosecutors to help you recover your losses and strengthen your financial future.  

Strengthening Your Case

If you’ve been the victim of fraud, taking the proper steps early can make a significant difference in your ability to recover what you’ve lost. While learning that you are the victim of fraud can feel hopeless, the reality is that you might have more recourse than you think. However, your window of time to act will not last long. Some of the ways you could strengthen your civil claim include the following:

Preserve All Evidence

Keep copies of all contracts, emails, text messages, bank records, invoices, and communications related to the fraud. Even small details, like screenshots or voicemails, can serve as crucial evidence of fraud. Avoid deleting anything, and store digital files in multiple secure locations to make sure you can always access a copy.

Document the Timeline

Keeping a record is vital in these situations. Write down everything you remember about the transaction, starting with names and dates. Keep a tally of money that changed hands or promises that were made. This timeline could be an invaluable tool for your legal team.

Avoid Contact with the Perpetrator

Do not confront or negotiate with the person who defrauded you without legal guidance. Anything you say could be used against you in pending litigation. What’s more, it gives them an opportunity to hide assets or cover their tracks. Let your Atlanta fraud attorney manage all communications moving forward.

Act Quickly

Fraud claims in Georgia are subject to time limits. The sooner you involve legal counsel, the more evidence can be preserved, and the stronger your case will be. Delays may give the fraudster time to destroy evidence or disappear altogether.

Consult an Experienced Atlanta Fraud Attorney

An experienced Atlanta fraud attorney can investigate the fraud, pursue emergency relief, such as asset freezes, and build a comprehensive case for damages. Legal guidance from the outset increases your chance of recovery and helps you avoid common missteps.

Challenges in Fraud Recovery Cases

While civil litigation offers a powerful path to justice for fraud victims, recovering stolen assets is rarely simple. Fraudsters often take calculated steps to cover their tracks or hide their assets. What’s more, missteps on your part could make your case more difficult than it needs to be. Some of the common challenges in fraud recovery cases include the following:

Hidden or Transferred Assets

One of the biggest obstacles in fraud recovery is locating the money or property that was taken. Fraudsters often move funds across multiple accounts, funnel money through shell companies, or transfer assets to friends and family. In some cases, they convert cash into hard-to-trace assets, such as cryptocurrency or offshore holdings. Identifying and tracing assets requires financial expertise and, in complex cases, forensic accountants. Civil litigation can provide legal tools—such as subpoenas and court orders—to uncover and freeze these assets before they disappear.

Lack of Clear Documentation

Many fraud cases occur in informal settings where victims trusted the perpetrator and didn’t insist on a written agreement. Without documentation, proving key elements, such as false representation or reliance, becomes more difficult. While these types of cases often boil down to disputed accounts from each side, our attorneys may be able to scour for evidence and find proof that you have been victimized.

Multiple Jurisdictions and Defendants

Fraud schemes can originate anywhere. In the age of the internet, the perpetrator could live in the same town as you, or they could hail from the opposite side of the planet. If the fraudster resides out of state, you may have to take additional legal steps before they can be held accountable in a court of law. This can, in turn, extend the timeline of your recovery. Working with an Atlanta fraud attorney who understands multijurisdictional litigation is crucial when assets or parties span multiple locations.

Delay in Taking Action

Many victims hesitate to come forward for a variety of reasons. From embarrassment to confusion, there are a number of reasons for these delays.  Unfortunately, delays can substantially weaken a case. In addition to the risk of evidence being lost or destroyed, there is a firm deadline that applies to all civil lawsuits: the statute of limitations.

Why Choose Our Firm as Your Atlanta Fraud Attorney

At our firm, we represent victims of fraud with one clear goal: to recover what was wrongfully taken and hold the responsible parties accountable. When you work with us, you’re not just hiring an Atlanta Fraud attorney; you’re partnering with a team that is committed to restoring your financial security.

We have extensive experience handling civil fraud cases across a wide range of industries, including investment schemes, real estate fraud, partnership disputes, contractor deception, and elder financial abuse. Our attorneys know how fraudsters operate and, more importantly, how to dismantle their schemes in court. We use every legal tool available to uncover your missing assets.

We understand the emotional and financial toll fraud can take. That’s why we approach every case with compassion and urgency. Our clients trust us to protect their interests and guide them through what can be a complex and challenging process.

Whether you’re a business owner, investor, family member, or individual who has been misled or taken advantage of, we are here to help. As your dedicated Atlanta fraud attorney, we will evaluate your case thoroughly and fight tirelessly for a fair outcome on your behalf.

What to Expect in a Fraud Lawsuit

If you’re considering pursuing a fraud claim, it’s important to understand the legal process ahead. Fraud cases can be complex, but with the right legal team, you can navigate each stage with confidence.

The process begins with a thorough investigation. Your attorney will review documents, gather communications, and work with experts to identify key evidence. Once your case is built, a complaint is filed in civil court, detailing the fraudulent conduct and the damages you’ve suffered.

The defendant will have an opportunity to respond, and both sides will enter a discovery phase. This includes document exchanges, written questions, and depositions under oath. Discovery is often the most critical phase, as it can uncover hidden facts, financial records, or witness testimony that strengthen your claim.

Settlement discussions may occur throughout the process, especially if liability is clear. If a resolution isn’t reached, the case will proceed to trial. There, your attorney will present evidence, question witnesses, and argue for a judgment in your favor. If successful, you may be awarded compensatory damages, and in egregious cases, punitive damages.

A seasoned Atlanta fraud attorney will also help enforce the judgment, giving you the best chance at recovering compensation. At Poole Huffman, we are proud to use our skill and experience to help the victims of fraud find a measure of justice.

Reach Out to An Atlanta Fraud Attorney At Poole Huffman

If you’ve been the victim of fraud, you don’t have to face the financial and emotional aftermath alone. Even if you have already spoken with law enforcement about criminal charges, you also have the option to pursue a civil remedy.

A lawsuit offers a path to justice that is entirely independent from any criminal case. If it is successful, you could recover damages based on what you lost due to fraud. Our firm is here to help you every step of the way. Contact an experienced Atlanta fraud attorney today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming what is rightfully yours. 

FAQ

What counts as fraud?

Fraud involves intentional deception that causes financial or personal harm. Common examples include false statements, forged documents, misappropriation of funds, and concealment of material facts.

What kinds of fraud cases do you take?

We focus exclusively on significant, high-impact fraud cases — situations where not only the financial stakes are substantial, but your reputation, credibility, and dignity have been attacked. These cases often involve large sums, complex schemes, or serious misconduct that demands an aggressive legal response.

How do I know if my case qualifies?

If your situation involves complex fraud, major financial loss, or serious misconduct that demands an aggressive legal response, contact us for a case review. We will quickly assess whether your matter fits our focus.

What can Poole Huffman do for me?

We investigate, gather evidence, build a strong case, and pursue every legal avenue to recover what was taken from you and hold the responsible party accountable.

Why is acting quickly so important?

In high-stakes fraud cases, time is your enemy. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can forget, and your reputation can continue to erode. Acting now gives us the best chance to protect both your financial interests and your dignity.