The Role of a Lawyer in Your Internet Marketing Business

May 17th, 2008

We must start this article by saying that these are just opinions and not in any way legal advice. Everyone should consult a lawyer for sound legal advise.

Why can’t you simply go on with your intention of pushing through an Internet marketing business? Why do you still need to hire a lawyer? What good can it do for you?

The Internet marketing business has taken a sweep all over the market in the recent years or so . It is even very much safe to say that a lot of people have opted to quit their jobs to turn to Internet marketing businesses where money is said to be easily earned. There’s a truth to this claim but of course, potential investors must likewise realize that your profit could never be claimed overnight. Your business should firstly settle, get an audience, and start making sales in the market. Yet, don’t get too excited with the thought. You must also take into account the legal possibilities that you should be prepared for. And that calls for the need of hiring a lawyer.

Who is a business lawyer?

Genuine businessmen know for certain how vital the role of a lawyer is to any kind of business. A business attorney specifically provides an in depth guidance right from the start. The business lawyer or business attorney is beside you as you ponder on the type of business that you would intend to start on. He will then guide you as you go through the steps of establishing your business and most particularly with that of obtaining all legal necessities such as the permits, licenses, and all other legal matters. Remember that the absence of any single legal requirement may lead to the closure of your business. Hence, as defined, the business lawyers will be your mentor in correctly handling your business every step of the way.

What are the reasons on why you should hire a lawyer?

Again, it is very much significant that you recognize the importance of hiring a business lawyer to protect your business. As you think about doing an Internet marketing business, you should be aware of the so-called cyber law. Among the valuable reasons which imply your need to hire a lawyer are specified below.

The lawyer’s expertise is necessary when thinking about the structure of your potential business. Will it be a corporation, a limited liability company, a sole proprietorship and the likes?

The lawyer will serve as the light to your path as you start with the basic steps of forming your business.

He is mainly the front when you concert your effort to attain the needed permits and in the settlement of other legalities.

He is required for when you file for a trademark or patent, tax identification information, and other requirements.

Contracts are never held valid without the touch of a lawyer.

The lawyer will guide you as you deal with financing, banking, business planning. business negotiations, and inform you of the business, intellectual, civil, and even environmental law provisions.

What are the better choices that you have to better protect your Internet marketing business?

There are various types of business and each of them has its own characteristics. Here is a simple overview that will be of help to you.

The limited liability company or LLC. This stands out as the best option especially when you are just starting out on your business venture. It is easier to maneuver yet you are still faced with the same liability protection. If things go wrong, it is best that you have a lawyer to back you up. An LLC company may be managed by one person or a group and there is no double taxing.

The S Corporation. This one is more complex since it is made up of a larger governing body. There are the shareholders who appoint themselves as officers of the board.

The C Corporation. This one is crafted for a big booming business.

The limited partnership. This type of business makes possible for the people to invest on something yet without taking any control. It also doesn’t have any liability.

Face the fact. There are going to be several legal concerns that you have to deal with as you pursue an Internet marketing business. With a lawyer backing you up, everything will be a lot easier. So when choosing one, always look into the person’s expertise.

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Fraud Websites & Investment Scams

May 17th, 2008

Recognizing The Signs of Fraud

Financial scams have been on the rise around the world, and unfortunately, have been rising in sophistication. Fraud was introduced to the Internet most notably by the Nigeria 411 scams, i.e. advance fee fraud. That was then, this is now.

Scammers today are using worldwide access to the Internet to their advantage. Accounts such as webhosting a new website, bank and credit accounts can now be easily opened on the Internet, from any location. Having some false identification gives the scammer the upper hand here, as he has essentially created an alias with little, if any, traceable information.

The False Website Approach

Many financial scams are taking the form of the classic advance fee fraud, but with a higher level of sophistication and tactics. Websites are often created with templates or a design is stolen from another reputable and legal investment company. Once the site is complete, the criminal has created what appears to be a legitimate website and company. The headquarters for these fictitious firms are often located in the United States, so the website claims. These sites are mearly a tool for fraud.

How to distinguish a real investment website from a fraudulent one? Search Google and Yahoo for the company to determine if there are other sites referencing the firm. Check the site itself to see if the firm has contact information. A website without an address or phone number is a red flag for potential fraud or scam. Search phone directories for the firm’s telephone number. Lastly, check with the SEC’s website for signs on how to recognize these investment scams, and to verify registration of the firm.

Knowing the Signs of Fraud

Although the level of sophistication in these scams continues to rise, an educated consumer can know the difference. Scammers today always contact their victims with an offer - the potential victim has been selected. The firm representative may speak perfect English, and even understand investments and asset management. He may even request you submit an IRS form and other documents. Bottom line, this person will request personal data and/or payment promptly and without ever meeting you. Be skeptical and ask for the firms’ references and SEC filing.

Getting Verification

If you’ve searched the Internet for references, checked local phone listings, maybe even contacted the SEC for verification, and spoke with company representatives and claimed references - and you’re still not sure? Contact a professional investigation company, like Wymoo International or Philippine PI for help. Get the facts on who your dealing with - then decide.

All the Best,

S. Birch

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