Scams in the WWWThe vast majority of law firms and organizations that work with mesothelioma victims are ethical and professional. Unfortunately, other types of organizations that are unrelated to the legal profession might not be. These organizations have only one goal in mind—to make money by steering victims to other organizations that will in turn promise big bucks and fast results without ever hearing the victim’s story.

These organizations gain the trust of victims by claiming that they work directly with the federal government or federal programs for mesothelioma victims.

Fortunately, there are ways for victims to pinpoint predatory practices and protect themselves against unscrupulous organizations. The first defense is to become familiar with common pitches, claims, and fine print such as:

  • Quick Cash for mesothelioma victims!
  • We can help you locate the best mesothelioma compensation attorneys in the nation
  • Call us Right Now to collect your money!
  • {Organization Name} is not a legal firm
  • {Organization Name} are not attorneys

If you’ve heard these pitches and claims before, it’s best to do some research before handing over any of your personal information.

The first order of business is to verify that the organization is actually working with the federal government. This is easier than you might think. You can contact the U.S. Government directly by email, phone, mail, or even online chat. Follow the links for email or online chat. You can email the U.S. Government 24/7 and chat services are available Monday-Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time (except Federal Holidays).

Call or Write to:

U.S. General Services Administration
Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies
1800 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20405
U.S.A.
1-800-FED-INFO (333-4636)

-OR-

Federal Trade Commission
Bureau of Consumer Protection
601 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-326-2222

Neutral sources such as U.S. News & World Report and the Better Business Bureau are great places to find out more about the organization you are dealing with as well.

U.S. News & World Report ranks more than 11,000 U.S. law firms in its Best Lawyers- Best Law Firms issue (2014). You can access the directory online and search by firm name, location, and practice area for unbiased rankings and a reports.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rates businesses and organizations in all industries on a scale ranging from A+ to F. The Bureau considers 16 factors to help establish ratings for each business. The higher the rating, the more reliable the business. Higher ratings also receive the coveted *BBB Accreditation Seal. To check ratings, complaints, and accreditation information for any given firm, simply enter the business name and location at BBB.org.

If you cannot find any information about any given organization that claims to help mesothelioma victims, through the U.S. Government, the Better Business Bureau, and/or U.S. News & World Report, chances are you are not dealing with an honest organization.

And remember, one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from predatory organizations is to always trust your gut. Simply put, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to contact a trusted attorney to learn about your legal rights as a mesothelioma victim. You can speak directly with an attorney at MRHFM today by calling 866-373-5000. Collectively, the attorneys at MRHFM have 100 years of experience exclusively dealing with mesothelioma victims and their families. They will listen to your story from the first call and visit you at a place that is comfortable and convenient for you. *MRHFM is a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ Rating.

Sources

Better Business Bureau
BBB.org

Federal Trade Commission
Bureau of Consumer Protection
FTC.gov

U.S. General Services Administration
USA.gov

U.S. News & World Report
USNews.com