Terms of Service

Effective Date: October 6, 2025
Last Updated: October 6, 2025

Terms of Service

Welcome to FraudShield Legal. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website and legal services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Please read these Terms carefully before using our services. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our website or services.

1. Definitions

• "We," "us," "our" refers to FraudShield Legal, a legal services provider operating in Canada
• "You," "your," "client" refers to the individual or entity using our services
• "Services" refers to legal services, consultation, fraud recovery, and related services provided by FraudShield Legal
• "Website" refers to fraudshieldlegal.org and all associated pages

2. Legal Services

2.1 Nature of Services

FraudShield Legal provides specialized legal services focused on fraud recovery, including but not limited to:

• Recovery of funds from fraudulent brokers
• Cryptocurrency fraud recovery
• Fake investment project litigation
• International fund recovery
• Legal consultation and representation

2.2 Attorney-Client Relationship

An attorney-client relationship is established only when:

• We have formally agreed to represent you in writing
• You have signed a retainer agreement
• We have confirmed acceptance of your case

General information on our website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Free consultations do not create an attorney-client relationship unless we subsequently agree to represent you.

2.3 Scope of Representation

The scope of our representation will be defined in your retainer agreement. We will represent you only for the specific matters described in that agreement.

3. Eligibility and Requirements

3.1 Minimum Case Value

We generally accept cases involving losses of $5,000 CAD or more. Cases below this threshold may be declined or referred to other resources.

3.2 Jurisdiction

We are licensed to practice law in Canada. While we handle international fraud cases, our representation is based on Canadian law and international legal cooperation mechanisms.

3.3 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to engage our services. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must engage our services on your behalf.

4. Fees and Payment

4.1 Fee Structures

We offer various fee arrangements depending on your case:

• Contingency Fee: We receive a percentage of recovered funds (typically 25-35%)
• Hourly Rate: For certain matters, we charge by the hour
• Flat Fee: Fixed fee for specific services
• Hybrid: Combination of the above

The specific fee arrangement will be detailed in your retainer agreement.

4.2 Costs and Disbursements

In addition to legal fees, you may be responsible for costs and disbursements including:

• Court filing fees
• Investigation costs
• Expert witness fees
• Translation services
• Travel expenses for international matters
• Document production and courier fees

4.3 Payment Terms

• Initial consultation is free
• Retainer fees (if applicable) are due upon signing the agreement
• Invoices are payable within 30 days unless otherwise specified
• Contingency fees are payable upon successful recovery

4.4 No Guarantee of Success

While we have a 95%+ success rate, we cannot guarantee results in any specific case. Legal fees may be incurred even if recovery is unsuccessful, depending on your fee arrangement.

5. Client Responsibilities

5.1 Truthful Information

You must provide complete, accurate, and truthful information about your case. Withholding information or providing false information may harm your case and violate this agreement.

5.2 Documentation

You are responsible for providing all relevant documentation, including:

• Transaction records
• Communications with fraudsters
• Bank statements
• Contracts and agreements
• Any other evidence related to the fraud

5.3 Cooperation

You must cooperate fully with our investigation and legal proceedings, including:

• Responding promptly to our requests
• Attending meetings and court appearances as required
• Providing testimony when necessary
• Following our legal advice

5.4 Confidentiality

You must maintain confidentiality regarding legal strategy and sensitive case information unless disclosure is legally required or we authorize it.

6. Our Responsibilities and Limitations

6.1 Professional Standards

We will provide legal services in accordance with:

• Canadian law society regulations
• Rules of professional conduct
• Best practices in fraud recovery
• Solicitor-client privilege requirements

6.2 Limitations

We are not responsible for:

• Delays caused by third parties (courts, banks, foreign jurisdictions)
• Changes in law that affect your case
• Actions of opposing parties or third parties
• Matters outside the scope of our retainer

7. Website Use

7.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use our website only for lawful purposes. You may not:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Transmit malicious code or viruses
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the website
• Collect information about other users
• Use automated systems to access the website without permission

7.2 Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is owned by FraudShield Legal or our licensors and is protected by copyright and trademark laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our content without written permission.

8. No Legal Advice via Website

Information on our website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Do not rely on website content as a substitute for professional legal counsel.

Each fraud case is unique. Only after reviewing your specific circumstances can we provide tailored legal advice.

9. Confidentiality and Privacy

All communications with FraudShield Legal are subject to:

• Solicitor-client privilege (for clients)
• Professional confidentiality obligations
• Our Privacy Policy
• Applicable privacy legislation (PIPEDA)

See our Privacy Policy for detailed information about data handling.

10. Case Acceptance and Termination

10.1 Right to Decline Representation

We reserve the right to decline representation for any reason, including:

• Conflicts of interest
• Insufficient evidence
• Cases below our minimum threshold
• Capacity constraints
• Cases outside our expertise
• Jurisdictional limitations

10.2 Client Right to Terminate

You may terminate our services at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for:

• Fees for services already rendered
• Costs and disbursements incurred
• Any contractual obligations in the retainer agreement

10.3 Our Right to Withdraw

We may withdraw from representation in accordance with law society regulations, including situations where:

• You fail to pay fees as agreed
• You fail to cooperate or follow advice
• Continuing would violate professional ethics
• The relationship has irretrievably broken down

11. Disclaimers and Warranties

11.1 Website "As Is"

Our website is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not warrant that:

• The website will be uninterrupted or error-free
• Defects will be corrected
• The website is free from viruses or harmful components
• Information is complete, accurate, or current

11.2 No Guarantee of Results

We cannot and do not guarantee specific outcomes in legal matters. Success depends on many factors beyond our control, including:

• Availability of evidence
• Location and cooperation of fraudsters
• Court decisions
• Cooperation of financial institutions
• Applicable laws and regulations

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Our liability is limited to the fees paid by you for our services
• We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
• We are not liable for losses resulting from third-party actions
• We are not liable for technical failures or website errors

This limitation does not apply where prohibited by law or to liability for fraud, gross negligence, or willful misconduct.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless FraudShield Legal, its lawyers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any law or regulation
• False or misleading information you provide
• Your use of our website

14. Conflicts of Interest

We maintain strict conflict-checking procedures. We will not represent you if doing so would create a conflict of interest with existing or former clients, unless:

• All affected parties provide informed written consent
• We reasonably believe we can represent all parties competently
• The representation is not prohibited by law

15. File Retention and Destruction

We retain client files in accordance with law society requirements:

• Active files: Maintained for duration of representation
• Closed files: Retained for minimum 10 years after closure
• After retention period: Securely destroyed or returned to client upon request

16. Communication

16.1 Methods of Communication

We may communicate with you via:

• Email (encrypted when appropriate)
• Phone calls
• Postal mail
• Secure client portal (if available)
• Video conferencing

16.2 Response Times

We strive to respond to client inquiries within:

• Emergency matters: Within 24 hours
• Routine matters: Within 2-3 business days
• Complex inquiries: Within 5 business days

Response times may vary based on case complexity and workload.

17. Third-Party Services

Our fraud recovery services may involve engaging third parties such as:

• Private investigators
• Blockchain forensic experts
• Foreign legal counsel
• Expert witnesses

While we carefully select professional service providers, we are not liable for their independent actions or errors, except to the extent required by law.

18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Alberta, Canada.

19. Dispute Resolution

19.1 Law Society Complaints

If you have concerns about our legal services, you may file a complaint with the Law Society of Alberta.

19.2 Mediation

Before initiating litigation, parties agree to attempt resolution through mediation in good faith.

19.3 Arbitration

Fee disputes may be subject to arbitration as per law society regulations.

20. Limitation Period

Any claim against FraudShield Legal must be commenced within the time period specified by the applicable limitations legislation. In Alberta, this is generally within 2 years of when you knew or ought to have known of the claim.

21. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

22. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with your retainer agreement (if applicable) and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and FraudShield Legal regarding use of our services.

23. Amendments

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be notified through:

• Website notice
• Email to clients
• Updated "Last Updated" date

Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

24. Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:

• Natural disasters
• War or terrorism
• Government actions
• Internet or telecommunications failures
• Pandemics or public health emergencies

25. No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be deemed a waiver of such right or provision.

26. Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations with notice to you.

27. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact:

FraudShield Legal
10403 170 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5P 4T2
Canada

Email: info@fraudshieldlegal.org
Phone: +17804341894
Emergency Hotline: Available 24/7

28. Acknowledgment

By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.