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After an ex-employee resigned a couple of weeks ago, I discovered they were stealing from our hotel by using a different company's credit card to pay for guests' rooms while taking cash from those guests without anyone's knowledge. This was discovered through the ex-employee's... View More

answered on May 13, 2025
You need to privately consult with an attorney about this. If you did not facilitate, conspire with or otherwise aid and abet the employee, you would not be criminally most importantly. Regarding your employment status and what you may be subject to given these criminal acts of your subordinate,... View More
I'm receiving financial pressure regarding a video of a dog I posted on my Instagram page, which has 89k followers. A copyright filer contacted me via direct email demanding a payment (initially $1000, then discounted to $500) to remove the copyright claim, even though I've already... View More

answered on May 9, 2025
Yes, based on your description, this situation could potentially be considered an abuse of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) system—and in some cases, it might even approach the line of coercion or bad faith conduct, though calling it “extortion” has a specific legal threshold.... View More
I am looking for legal advice regarding a situation in New York where an elderly man gave a young lady money regularly to prevent her from informing his wife and the police about an inappropriate incident. The young lady is now facing charges of grand larceny and coercion and awaiting indictment.... View More

answered on Mar 20, 2025
This is a serious legal matter, as grand larceny and coercion are both significant criminal charges in New York. Since the young woman already has legal representation, her attorney will be the best person to assess her case based on the specific evidence, witness statements, and any mitigating... View More
I will not handle anyone else's money for them.
I will provide only the stock tips, and advisement on how best to limit risk, and set goals.
Anyone taking my advice makes their own decisions.
Do I need a license to do this?

answered on Dec 15, 2023
Providing stock tips and investment advice through a subscription service, even without directly handling others' money, often falls under the regulatory oversight of both federal and state securities laws. In New York, as well as under federal law, individuals or entities providing investment... View More
I am an investor from India who invested $500,000 in an EB-5 project in November 2019. My attorney, Mona Shah & Associates, provided an email proposal confirming 6-7% quarterly interest and a return of the principal amount after five years, along with green cards for all family members.... View More

answered on Jun 11, 2025
You can file a bar complaint against the attorney with the state bar that she is a licensed member of.
I'm a U.S. citizen, and my friend, whom I consider like a sister, has asked me to enter into a fake marriage with her boyfriend to help him obtain a green card. She is DACA, and he is an asylum case. I've reconsidered my initial agreement, but they're pressuring me. I want to give a... View More

answered on May 23, 2025
You face severe federal criminal penalties if you proceed with this fraudulent marriage scheme. Under 8 U.S.C. § 1325(c), any individual who knowingly enters into a marriage for the purpose of evading immigration laws faces imprisonment for up to five years and fines up to $250,000. Beyond these... View More
What is the penalty in New York State for a first-time offense involving credit card theft and using the card at an ATM to withdraw cash under $500 in a one-time transaction?

answered on May 15, 2025
In New York, even if it’s your first offense and the amount was under \$500, stealing and using a credit card is treated seriously. Taking someone’s credit or debit card without permission is considered Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree under state law, which is a Class E felony. That means it... View More
I am currently on paid family leave. My employer has been fraudulently using my signature to sign documents, specifically employee health enrollment forms, and my state login credentials to conduct unauthorized background checks. A coworker provided me with a screenshot as proof, and I have emailed... View More

answered on May 14, 2025
I'm really sorry you’re facing this kind of betrayal from your employer—it’s not just unethical but also potentially illegal for someone to use your signature and login credentials without your permission. What you’ve described could involve several violations, including forgery,... View More
I became acquainted with someone online who claimed to need financial help to leave a difficult situation involving prostitution. I provided money to her and her supposed lawyer, Chris Chambers, but later found myself deeply in debt without resolution. This issue has been ongoing for a year and a... View More

answered on May 14, 2025
I'm really sorry you've been caught in this situation—it sounds overwhelming, and it's natural to want closure and peace of mind. Based on what you've described, this appears to be a classic online scam involving fake legal claims and false identities, and it's unlikely... View More
I understand it's illegal to sell replica or counterfeit clothing and accessories, but would it be illegal to sell a spreadsheet containing links to these products? These links are accessible to anyone online; I'm just organizing them in a spreadsheet. I never touch any products and have... View More

answered on May 14, 2025
You’re smart to ask about this before moving forward, because the legal risks are real even if you never handle or sell counterfeit products yourself. Simply organizing and selling a spreadsheet of links to replica or counterfeit clothing vendors could still be considered contributory trademark... View More
I am a content creator who previously filed copyright strikes on videos, which I later withdrew after receiving compensation. Now, the user and their lawyer are demanding the money back within 10 days, threatening legal action and potential imprisonment in the U.S. for up to 36 months if I do not... View More

answered on Apr 30, 2025
This situation sounds quite concerning, and the threats you're receiving warrant immediate attention. The legal landscape around copyright settlements is complex, and what you're describing could potentially involve issues beyond simple copyright claims.
The threat of imprisonment... View More
I am an investor in BlackRock and have been concerned about potential KYC compliance negligence and fraud since January 2025. I believe BlackRock violated KYC compliance regulations by selling a Bitcoin ETF, as Bitcoin lacks essential compliance elements such as a website, staff, address, email,... View More

answered on Apr 8, 2025
If you're considering legal action against BlackRock, the first step would be to consult with a legal professional who has expertise in financial regulations and securities law. You’d need to gather concrete evidence supporting your claim that BlackRock failed to meet KYC compliance... View More
I was a victim of a romance scam from 2017 to 2020 but cut ties afterwards. Recently, I was informed that the scammer named me as complicit to the Nigerian government. While I haven't received any official legal notices from Nigeria, I did receive an indictment letter via email from US federal... View More

answered on Mar 21, 2025
You have received some alarming communications, and it’s understandable that you’re concerned about the possibility of a lawsuit from a foreign government. It is uncommon for a government like Nigeria to initiate a class action suit against an individual under these circumstances.
If... View More
I was the victim of a romance scam from 2017 to 2020, with the scammer based in Nigeria while I am in the United States. After cutting ties with the scammer, federal agents and lawyers have contacted me, claiming that the Nigerian government is filing a class action lawsuit against me for $122,000... View More

answered on Mar 21, 2025
You should be very cautious when receiving such claims because foreign governments rarely file lawsuits against individuals in this manner. It is common for scammers to use intimidating language, fake case numbers, and urgent payment requests to pressure you into making a mistake.
You can... View More
My stepson had guardianship over a person who received $28,000 in federal benefits, which was deposited in a bank account. After the person passed away, the money was supposed to go to the widow. However, my stepson is using the money, including for lawyer fees. Could this be considered... View More

answered on Oct 15, 2024
Visit or call your local police department or sheriff's office. They often maintain public records and can let you know if there's an outstanding warrant or charge in their jurisdiction.
Check Court Records:
Many states and counties have online court databases where you... View More
The supreme court is literally overturning anything including stare decisis cases. Can the court survive if it’s just an activist group and not upholding laws. Its clear based on decisions they contradict themselves based on the governments role in some things and not others. Why is the... View More

answered on May 1, 2024
The legitimacy of any court, including the Supreme Court, hinges on public perception of its impartiality and adherence to the law rather than political ideology. If the court is seen as consistently overturning precedents to align with a specific political viewpoint, it risks eroding its standing... View More

answered on Jul 7, 2023
You can certainly have an attorney-client relationship without a written retainer agreement. The better practice, however, is to have a written retainer agreement which sets forth the duties and responsibilities of both the attorney and the client. That said, if you are unhappy with your current... View More
Last year my friend lent me $150, I didn’t have any money due to losing my job and moving cross country back home but I promised I’d pay her back. A few months later my friend stopped taking to me and never told me what happened. We didn’t speak, I had been planning on paying her back and... View More

answered on Jun 7, 2020
Only your friend could answer whether it is worth their time to sue for the money. It's a personal decision. As a general matter, when it comes to lawsuits, people will consider the amount they plan to go after, the filing fees and court costs, the time lost from work or school. But in the... View More
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