Steps to Take If I Have a Privacy Concern
These days, so much information can be found on the internet. With one click, you can book an Airbnb or find the perfect resort location. When faced with what seems like a wonderful opportunity at an affordable price, you may jump at the chance without thinking twice. Sadly, several businesses have been found in violation of consumer privacy rights, expecting to never get caught.
If you believe your privacy has been compromised, you must safeguard your rights. Of course, the first step if you have a privacy concern should always be reaching out to a Greenville, SC, victims’ rights lawyer.
Collect Evidence
Voyeurism is the act of viewing, videotaping, or photographing another person without their consent in a place in which they expect to have privacy. Nicknamed the “peeping Tom” law, the perpetrator does so for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal. In a recent South Carolina voyeurism case, a property owner was discovered to have video cameras in bathrooms and bedrooms in his Airbnb rental. The tapes revealed over 20 years of footage of guests undressing, engaging in sexual activity, and other general acts indisposed. These individuals had no idea that the owner was watching their most intimate moments.
This violation of privacy is unacceptable, and victims deserve to be compensated for the emotional turmoil that they experience because of this heinous behavior. If you suspect that you have been videotaped or filmed at your most vulnerable, gathering the applicable footage or photographs is key to supporting your claim. If you do not have access to direct evidence, then witness testimony or other indirect evidence can help to support your case.
Contact the Attorney General
If a business has secretly viewed or recorded you when you have a reasonable expectation of privacy, you can take criminal action. The South Carolina Attorney General’s office provides assistance to victims, including financial compensation, raising grant funds to organizations that help victims, and helping victims of crimes locate the resources they need to take legal recourse. Although the state does not impose a statute of limitations for crimes, taking legal action right away is recommended.
Contact Financial Institutions
Acts of voyeurism are only one way that businesses may violate a consumer’s rights. Chances are that an invasion of your privacy is not the whole story. Given the amount of data that is on the interwebs, a business may share personal information with entities that have no right to access such information. If you are concerned about a data breach, be sure to notify your bank, credit card company, and other financial institutions of the fraud. You will want to cancel any credit or debit cards that you believe may be intercepted.
Contact a Victims’ Rights Advocate
Victims of crimes deserve to have their voices heard. Sadly, invasions of privacy are becoming more common, with business owners attempting to cover their tracks to avoid getting caught. South Carolina imposes criminal penalties for acts of voyeurism, with a second or subsequent offense punishable by up to five years in jail and a potential fine of $5,000. The punishment strips the offender of their freedom and tarnishes their reputation, likely destroying future business prospects.
In addition to taking criminal action, our victims’ rights lawyer can assist you in filing a civil suit (such as an invasion of privacy lawsuit) to help make you “whole” again. In hiring a victims’ rights attorney, you have someone working to help you recoup the entirety of your damages.
Our Greenville, SC, Victims’ Rights Attorneys Fight for You
Everybody deserves to be treated fairly and with respect. For nearly 25 years, our Greenville, SC, victims’ rights lawyers have successfully represented those who have been afraid to speak out against injustices. If you have recently fallen victim to voyeurism or have otherwise experienced an intrusion of privacy, the legal team at Ryan Beasley Law would like to speak with you.
To arrange your consultation to discuss your matter further, we can be reached online or by phone at (864) 756-4204.