Immediate practical advice for middlemen:

how to deal with both law enforcement and the fraud victims.

You may call yourself a middleman, financial consultant, agent, intermediary or broker.  You may or may not be licensed.  You may be a victim of a con artist, or an active participant in a scam.  Regardless of the circumstances, both the victims and law enforcement will be looking to you for an explanation.

1. Con artists, especially those who deal in financial fraud on a big scale, love to put their prime targets in the middle.  This means that you were talked into bringing money belonging to others into the scheme.

2. The best defense is a good offense: go to the authorities before they come to you.

3. Gather together every piece of evidence you can find, including names, addresses, phone numbers, account numbers, documents of every kind, notes, records of phone conversations, etc. and make copies.  The authorities may want the originals, or the copies may be okay.  The evidence may clearly show that you were duped.  DO NOT INVENT EVIDENCE. DO NOT TELL EVEN THE WHITEST OF LIES.  IF YOU CAN'T REMEMBER SOMETHING, SAY SO.  Your credibility is not just your most important asset, its your only asset.  Don't screw it up.  Interviewers can tell if you're lying - they take courses in it. See How to Organize and Write a Fraud Report for the Authorities.

4. Call every investor involved and tell them what you are doing.  Send it in writing, registered mail, return receipt requested.  Remember: open communication is extremely important.   

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5. Some investors may try to talk you out of going to the authorities because they may be afraid of losing their money.  On the other hand, if it has gone far enough, you may have to explain that you think their funds are lost.  Not an easy task.  Bite the bullet and make all your calls.  You may not be able to see it right now, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 

6. Ask the authorities if they want you to maintain contact with the swindler; however, if you are involved in any other similar network, cease that activity immediately.  

7. You may or may not need an attorney.  Usually it is not necessary unless you are being read your rights, but depending on your circumstances and what you need to feel comfortable, having an attorney present during the initial interview is okay.  (Please click over to Miranda Rights now!)

8. Go to How to Organize and Write a Fraud Report for the Authorities where you will find a sample format for your report, all the points you need to cover, and helpful hints.  The thoroughness of my report saved my life. (see About the Author)

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