Delinquent Money Collection Scam

Welcome bobburns.

The way some of the more adept scammers operate is that they will "buy" a bank account, often in Asia. The owner of the account gets a percentage of anything passing through it. These scams work like this:
1 The scammer sends the lawyer details of the debt.
2 the scammer sends a check from the supposed debtor (different names, different email accounts)
3 The lawyer pays it into his bank, and sends the money on to the bought bank account (which was specified by scammer 1)
4 Most people wait a sensible amount of time for the checks to clear, but some don't.

The problem is, sophisticated scammers can even fake wired transfers - these rely on a clearing period as well before they are discovered as fraudulent. The bought bank accounts often have a 'life' of just a few days for this reason.

Edit: They've been known to send fake checks for the retainer as well. Whatever you suggest, they'll find a way around it.

bobburns,

Not all scammers are a lone person with a computer. There are scammers who are part of complicated and sophisticated groups that know the "ins and outs" better than the average person or attorneys. Please heed the advice given so that this doesn't end up being a thread titled You warned me, but I didn't listen, now I am out a lot of money.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is...

Just in case anyone reading through this thread does happen to think that Cisero is right and this site earns money from "click", Please note that the site carries NO adverts of any kind and therefore there is No means of obtaining revenue through "clicks".
That was just his way of trying to devalue our service, which is totally FREE.

It is worth reiterating that we are all volunteers who do this as a public service.

LAWYER COLLECTION SCAM, A NEAR MISS

I am a lawyer with a law firm in Connecticut. I was contacted via my website to do collection work for an over-seas company "Trailblazer Communications". The contact person is Daniel Wong, email "Daniel Wong" <[email protected]. He asked about my collection fee arrangement, then a few days later for a written fee agreement for his board to approve. It was emailed to him. He then signed it, and emailed back, all within a few days. Then, he emails me to say that a company that owes his a large amount of money wishes to pay them. He asks me to handle the payment. He asked how and where I want the money to come to me? I tell him, to have it sent via US Bank check in US funds to my office in CT. A few days later I receive by Fed Ex what appears to be a CITIBANK Official Bank check for $362,740.00. I took it to a local CITI Bank branch, where they confirmed the check appeared (by routing #'s) to be good, but privacy rules did not let them verify funds. I asked them to call the toll free # on the check, which they did, and they were given the check # and amount, and my firms name as payee and date issued. I deposited the check into my Atty Trust account. I asked my bank to verify the funds before making them available to me. My bank called me in 24 hours and said the check was a forgery. The check was returned to me a few days later. The check was supposedly remitted by PTI Securities & Futures, which I verified is a securities broker/dealer in Chicago. The Fed Ex was supposedly sent by Baine & Co, which I verified has offices in ID & OR, not UK where the Fed Ex tracking said it came from. While I was looking into this, I asked Daniel Wong to document the debt. He emailed me an invoice that showed the 362k as a partial payment for goods ordered from Trailblazer Communications. I was also contacted my "scamwarners", who told me that a check for 362k was enroute to me, and it was a fake. I have the returned check, the Fed Ex package, and all the emails. I did not send any money out to anybody, but Daniel did give me instructions to wire funds to the Korean Exchange Bank in Soul Korea. I have that email as well. I would be more than happy to prosecute these people, or bring a law suit against them, before they really scam another lawyer. I did file a Complaint with IC3.gov. THANK YOU SCAMWARNERS! LAWYERS BEWARE!!!

Welcome to Scamwarners CTBECKLAW. Happy it was a near miss.

Thank you for posting this information. It will alert and save them falling for this scam.

Well Done and Thank You.

Note this warning site;

http://www.themodernfirm.com/blog/good-stuff/519/spam-from-mr-daniel-wong-targeting-lawyers/

This post was contributed by: The Modern Firm
Saturday, March 21st, 2009



Seems these days that spam and phishing schemes are coming from everywhere: email, text messages, Facebook friend requests, LinkedIn Invitations, fax machines… yeah, everywhere pretty much sums it up. Over the last couple weeks I’ve observed a scheme targeting many of our law firm clients. A person, or more likely a team of crooks with lots of time on their hands, are filling out the email contact forms on law firm websites. The form appears to be coming from a Mr. Daniel Wong who claims to be a representative or President of Trailblazer Communications with its “head office in Singapore.” He is supposedly seeking legal representation to help his company with delinquent American business accounts.

I was first tipped off by this when a couple of our clients asked me if the emails were legit. One of the first clues was to wonder why Mr. Daniel Wong, supposedly with multi-million dollar accounts to collect on, was contacting estate planning attorneys, family law firms, criminal defense lawyers and even our own company for help. The second tip-off came courtesy of Google, which lead to an Asian Business blog operated by attorney Richard Kuslan, whom I’ve actually spoken with in the past on separate matters. He has posted examples on his blog that are eerily similar to the ones received by our clients here, here and here.

If you’re ever contacted by e-mail, or even phone, and something just doesn’t seem quite right, take a minute to test out your suspicions on Google. Often by copying and pasting a unique part of the message or even the phone number you’ve received into Google you’ll quickly find out whether others have reported on that message already.

Educate yourself about email phishing at these websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourse ... ntify.mspx
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consume ... lt127.shtm

So, to help guide those lawyers who have been contacted by Mr. Daniel Wong of Trailblazer Communications here’s the scoop: if you’ve received the following e-mails or something similar either directly or through your website, do not respond, they are a scam, just delete them, warn your staff and get on with your day.

“Attention Counsel The management of Trailblazer Communications Asia Pte Ltd requires your legal representation for our North American delinquent Customers. We are of the opinion that a reputable attorney is required to represent us in North America in order for us to recover monies due to our organization by overseas customers, and as well follow up with these accounts. In order to achieve these objectives a good and reputable law firm like yours will be required to handle this service. We understand that a proper Attorney Client agreement must be entered into by both parties. This will be done immediately we receive your letter of acceptance. Attorney, Your questions regarding this Proposal is welcome. Once more thank you for taking time from your busy Schedule to read this mail. Mr Daniel Wong President Trailblazer Communications Asia Pte Ltd Tel: 622 636 3476 Fax: 622 637 2457 Email:[email protected]”

“Attention Counsel: I have previously sent you an email; please confirm the receipt of this mail due to the urgency of this matter. If you are not in position to represent us at the moment kindly advice immediately. After a careful review, we decided to contact you to represent our company in North America . Trailblazer Communications Asia Pte Ltd is a communication company with its head office in Singapore, and branches all over Asia continent. We got your contact details from your local States chamber of commerce. The management of Trailblazer Communications Asia Pte Ltd requires your legal representation for our North American delinquent Customers. We are of the opinion that a reputable attorney is required to represent us in North America in order for us to recover monies due to our organization by overseas customers, and as well follow up with these accounts. In order to achieve these objectives a good and reputable law firm like yours will be required to handle this service. We understand that a proper Attorney Client agreement must be entered into by both parties. This will be done immediately we receive your letter of acceptance. Attorney, you can advise us what is required, and draw a proper letter of engagement that will be review by our board. We are most inclined to commence talks with you as soon as possible. We shall bring you into a detailed picture of what your responsibility is, when we receive your response. Your consideration of our request is highly anticipated, and we look forward to your prompt response to this request. Your questions regarding this Proposal is welcome. Once more thank you for taking time from your busy Schedule to read this mail. Mr.Daniel Wong President Trailblazer Communications Asia Pte Ltd Tel:+6562276367 Fax:+6562276373 Email:[email protected]”

[email protected]

Three things to remember.
1) Genuine businesses don't use free email addresses.
2) Genuine businesses don't use free email addresses.
3) Genuine businesses don't use free email addresses.

Here's another scam letter. Brianhochlawoffice.com was registered 07-Apr-2009 for one year at Rosepark Telecom using Privacyprotect. I called the office of the real Brian Hoch and he is aware of this scam in his name. Everyone please understand that the lawyers names used in this scam have nothing to do with it, and had no knowledge that their name was being used. This is the same thing that happened to this guy:

http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202427594436

I will be out of the office from April 30th through May 30th. I have
asked my assistant Rachael to provide necessary information on a breach
of contract case resulting to unpaid balance for goods supplied for your
possible representation.

The creditor (Suneom Technology Co., Ltd., China), my client has
requested for immediate action to proceed with collection of the
outstanding balance valued at

$485,750.00.

You may contact Rachael on -- [email protected] for more
information.

Treat with prompt attention.


Thank you.



Brian R. Hoch
Law Offices Brian R. Hoch
3 Barker Ave, White Plains, NY 10601
Toll free: 1 888 214 1103 Ext. 201
[email protected]

[AlanJones]

^^^^ I've added this to Fake Banks on Eater and will get the domain killed when it's been added to the DB.

^^ Thanks B8er.

Another one:

Mei Ah Electrical & Industry (HK) Co., Ltd.
1001-07, Lippo Sun Plaza,
28 Canton Road, TST HongKong
Email: [email protected]

Dear Sir,

I am Ms.Ching Wong, a Manager of Mei Ah Electrical & Industry, Hong Kong. We deal on Industrial Machinery/Electronics and we export our products to Canada/America and Europe.

We require your representation for our North American Customers. We are of the opinion that the ability to consolidate payments from North America will eradicate delays due to inter-continental monetary transaction between Asia and North America.

We want you to help us act as account receivables/payables with respect to our customers in Canada and the United States of America.. It has been very cumbersome collecting our payments from clients in this region. We had to personally come to Canada, to meet with these clients, and it has not been too easy, hence we are contacting you immediately. We understand that a proper Client Retainer will provide the necessary results and we are most inclined to commence talks as soon as possible. We got your profile from your country’s Better Business Bureau.

Please contact using the email address above ([email protected]). Upon receipt of your response, we will provide you with more information. Include your Company name,full names, telephone and fax numbers in your response to this correspondence

Regards,

Ms. Ching Wong

It never ends....

Dear Counsel,

I am sending this email as a mutual introduction (potential
representation). Mr Rahman Omar is the manager and owner of Jinan Haohua
Industry, Co. Ltd, Mr Omar entity is a steels & chemicals trading
company in seoul, korea. jinan haohua industry,co has a claim against an
American company for a breach of contract. I can not handle this matter
at this time because I will be going for a surgery operation.

I have represented this company in a different matter, in the past.This
matter is in your jurisdiction/region; that is why am referring him to
you, and I do not require a referral fee.Please contact Jinan Haohua
Industry, Co. Ltd.if you are interested in representing him/his company.
Below his is contact information as follows:

Rahman Omar
Jinan Haohua Industry, Co. Ltd
292-45 shindand
Seoul Teugbyeolsi, Korea
Tel:+86 531808 90067
Fax:+86 532301 01786
Email-rahm [email protected]

Should you have any questions please contact my legal assistant Julia Weston

Sincerely,

robert wilson, esq
520 west sixth street
van nuys,ca 90014
[email protected]

[AlanJones]

^^^^ Can you post the headers for that email and I will get the jinanhaohuaindustry.co.in domain added to the AA419 database.

Hey all:

I am a partner in a law firm in Atlanta, Georgia.

On Sunday, i got the following email from Patrick Chan [[email protected]]

"Attention Counsel:
Colour Zine Manufacturing Company in Asia. We require your legal representation in your state in collection/Litigation. Let us know if you can be of help.
Awaiting Response."
Yours Faithfully,
Patrick Chan
CEO

I replied on monday:

"Mr. Chan:
We engage in this work.
What is the nature of collection?
What is the volume?
If you would like, please call me to discuss further."

This was the reply (notice company changed)

"Attn:

Thank you for your response to my inquiry for legal services. We have been able to establish that delinquent or past due accounts in about five states in the U.S,running over $2,850,506 and about a year or more over due in some cases.

There has been no complaints made about our products,no payment has been made with several previous attempt to make collection in these accounts ending negatively.
Matila Manufacturing Pte Ltd ,would have been settled if we had a reputable
lawyer/ firm representing our organization in collections or possible law
suit,hence Matila Manufacturing Pte Ltd is willing to maintain an evergreen
retainership fee of $25,000US,to demonstrate to you,we are ready to work with you on collections on delinquent accounts.
At this moment it will not be proper for me to provide you with the copy of a typical contract/copies of invoices until there is client–attorney engagement / relationship.
Below are the areas we would require your expertise:
1), Provide legal consultation,collections of delinquent accounts,required
representation / bring actions in court against the delinquent customers based on agreed amount per hour or percentage on collection made.
Please accept my sincerest appreciation for your willingness to render your
services, as we look forward to your prompt response to my email. If you have any questions contact me personally anytime by email and send us your retainer fee agreement for our review."

I did some research, as something seemed really off. No money is this easy, and no one just sends someone $25,000.00 without knowing their experience or reputation.

Also, it was a rocketmail address. What company with a website would need that?

I also wanted to know what an "evergreen retainership fee" was. Never heard of it.

I quickly found this site, and my suspicions were confirmed.

Looks like Chan has to start a new email: [[email protected]]

Welcome to Scamwarners, an I'm glad you found this site useful.

From: [email protected]
Reply-to: [email protected]
Sent: 5/13/2009 5:54:13 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Mutual Introduction-Possible Representation


Dear Counsel,

I have previously sent you an email; please confirm the receipt of this
mail due to the urgency of this matter. If you are not in position to
represent us at
the moment kindly advice immediately.

After a careful review, we decided to contact you to represent our company
in North America. Matila Manufacturing Pte Ltd is a manufacturing company
in Asia We would require your legal representation for our North American
delinquent Customers.

We are of the opinion that a reputable attorney is required to represent
us in North America in order for us to recover monies due to our
organization by oversea customers, and as well follow up with these
accounts. In order to achieve these objectives a good and reputable law
firm like yours will be required to handle this service. We understand

that a proper Attorney Client agreement must be entered into by both
parties. This will be done immediately we receive your letter of
acceptance.
Please send us your quick response to the email below.

[email protected]



Awaiting your swift Response.

Sincerely,
Mark George

From: [email protected]
Reply-to: [email protected]
Sent: 5/13/2009 11:37:58 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Delinquent account services in USA.

This is an official requisition for your legal consultation services on behalf of Tenluxe Co., Ltd.

We are based in Taiwan and our principal activity is manufacturing cotton yarn,mixed spinning yarn, chemical fiber yarn, embryo cloth, RTW clothes and knitwear.Other activities include constructing, leasing and selling residential and commercial buildings and provision of investment services We are presently incapacitated due to international legal boundaries to exert pressure on our delinquent customers in USA and we request for your services accordingly.

We got your contact information from the state of USA lawyers Directory as a result of our search for a reliable firm or individual to provide legal services as requested. After a careful review of your profile as well as your qualification and experience, we are of the opinion that your are capable and qualified to provide the legal services as requested.Please accept my sincerest appreciation on behalf of Tenluxe Co.Ltd,in advance for your willingness to render your services as we look forward to your prompt response to our request.Thank you.

Eric Lee
Managing Director
Company Name:Tenluxe Co., Ltd.
Taipei County,22041,Taiwan.

From: [email protected]
Sent: 5/10/2009 8:39:32 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Attn: Attorney Requisition

We wish to retain your services to facilitate in the
retrieval of delinquent accounts and holdings from our customers in
North America. These accounts have been delinquent for a while, due
to the current issues posed by the current economic status affecting
business owners around the world, and we have been lenient enough to
give a credit period of 3 months, which started in the month of
Febuary in the year, 2009, before requesting payments. We would
like for the accounts to be mediated and closed before the end of
the incoming quarter. We believe that all owed funds to our company
will be made payable contingent upon acquiring the assistance of
your office. Also, the companies that have disarray with have been
legitimate to our company for years so we believe and hope that the
need for litigation will not arise. We would like to receive your
retainer agreement, rates and all other essential material regarding
your firm's compensation policies. These, and all other material,
can be communicated via the company's presidents email address, [email protected]
and also copying http://www.rueyfa.com for secretarial references.
We look forward to your reply
Sincerely,
Mr. William Rueyfa
President and General Counsel
Ruey fa Tex Enterprise co.Ltd
E: [email protected]
W: http://www.rueyfa.com