Suing business associate for defrauding me. What type of attorney do I need?

Asked in Brandon, FL on February 10, 2026 Last answered on February 27, 2026

During 2023 I entered into an Airbnb investment arrangement with a long term friend who represented himself as a co-business partner and operates a business focused on managing short-term rental investments. I was led to believe I would earn passive income through co-ownership of Airbnb properties, with promised returns averaging approximately $20k per month. To date, I have received no returns. He instructed me through a third party funding company he works closely with, to obtain high-limit or unlimited business credit cards in my name, which were then used primarily for his benefit. As a result, I am left with approximately $50k in business credit card debt, in addition to $7k paid to him as a business retainer. While there is no written contract, I have extensive text messages and other documentation supporting false representations, misuse of funds, and potential fraud.

1 answer

Kimberly Houndji
Answered by:

Kimberly Houndji

St. Petersburg, FL
Houndji Law, PLLC 727-888-0285
Free Consultation
Answer

I'm sorry this happened to you. You need a civil litigation attorney. 

Based on the facts provided, you may have potential claims under Florida law, including fraud, unjust enrichment, and possibly civil theft. You must ensure that your claims are supported by clear and convincing evidence for fraud and civil theft as those claims require a higher evidentiary standard than other civil claims.  

I have experience with these types of cases and in my experience, the Defendant's hardly ever respond to the claims after receiving the lawsuit, a judgment is entered against them and they never pay. I believe it's an important consideration prior to suing the friend for civil theft, whether they have assets that you can identify to satisfy any judgment if you are successful. 

February 27, 2026

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