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Online Scammers Take Lawyer for $240,000
When it comes to being up to date with the latest trends and techniques in law-evasion, lawyers are, by definition, experts. Even they, however, can fall prey to well-disguised cybercrimes, as one New Hampshire barrister has just proven.The lawyer, who remains anonymous, reportedly lost some $240,000 after falling for an online scam that used fake companies and counterfeit checks to hire him. The counsel deposited the fraudulent check he received, and wired half of the money to his "client." He was then informed that the check was invalid, and realized that his bank account had been emptied. Because he was the one to initially deposit the check, he ended up swallowing the 200-grand loss.
Another lawyer who received a similar e-mail decided to look into the claim, and found that the scam artists used fake stationary to pose as an opposing lawyer who sent the check. Instead of falling for it, though, he alerted the authorities, who are currently investigating his findings. Assistant Attorney General Karen Gorham, however, told the Boston Globe that no arrests have been made as of yet, adding that, "It's very, very difficult to find people in scams like this," For future reference, though, she advised everyone to alert her office if they receive any suspicious checks. "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is," she says. It may be an old adage, but, as this unfortunate lawyer proves, it really can't be emphasized enough. [From: BostonGlobe]
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Comments
53
Subscribe to commentsPam G.Jul 20th 2010 7:18AM
Just goes to show, lawyers aren't as smart as everyone thinks they are.
SusanJul 20th 2010 10:33AM
Once again, greed wins, and lawyers LIVE on greed.
King DavidJul 20th 2010 11:58AM
There IS JUSTICE!!!! LOL
al schraderJul 20th 2010 3:01PM
Look out for something called "Defense Center" . It's a trojan that locks your computer except for access to them inwhich they hold you hostage until you pay them to unlock your system with their bogus anti- software. Don't ever pay it because they will steal everything. Every time you click on their fake alert, it eats another part of your op system.
Hugh JassolJul 24th 2010 7:19AM
Just take it from Al Schrader, the computer expert. He invented the PC! Hahaha. Actually, you can download a free anti-malware program that will wipe out 'Defense Center' and a host of other malware and virri. Just Google Malwarebytes, then download the free version of 'Anti-Malware'. If you're skeptical, check out every major geek site - it is well endorsed. Unlike Al, I'm not a liar.
DianeJul 20th 2010 7:33AM
We get these scam requests for "help" from clients every day. I get at least two or three a day. If you are in a small or medium sized firm, and you are getting unsolicited emails from Hong Kong, The UK, Japan, etc., then you are being targeted for a scam. People in larger firms should check with their management committees, who are well aware that these scams have been around for a few years. Just use your common sense, folks. Why would YOUR firm be asked to assist someone outside the country on a collection matter ?
c. morrisJul 20th 2010 7:46AM
The lawyer fell for the scam for one reason, the reason that most lawyers exist GREED
themeekerJul 20th 2010 8:14AM
This scammer better be out of the country. Hell hath no fury like a lawyer scammed.
the-manJul 20th 2010 8:15AM
somehow i find it difficult to feel any sympathy for a lawyer who was scammed; i am tempted to yell "hurrah" for the scammer who got the lawyer;
JOAN TORDOJul 20th 2010 8:23AM
WELL, WELL, WELL, WELL, WELL--THIS BOTTOM FEEDER GOT A TASTE OF HIS OWN MEDICINE--MY APPOLOGIES TO REAL BOTTOM FEEDERS; THEY AT LEAST DO AN HONEST JOB. AND WILL SHAKESPEAR SAID IT WELL: "...FIRST WE KILL ALL THE LAWYERS..."
tony thomasJul 20th 2010 8:30AM
I guess it is why he is anom. who would hire a bone head like this
crksrJul 20th 2010 8:27AM
I do receive "tons" of checks in my junk mail. I never waste my time reading the letters that come within. I just throw the whole thing in the garbage can. End of story.!
karamarieoneilJul 20th 2010 9:31AM
wow, I am sooooo glad he is not my lawyer. Come on, I think by now everyone knows this is a scam. What an idiot.
sef69Jul 20th 2010 9:04AM
I love it....Lawyers are the scum of the earth...glad to see one get smoked
Daniel LinaresJul 20th 2010 9:12AM
Yeah. Scams like that is actually happening to people whom give comments somehow in news like us. Scammers set the bait and if you aren't smart you will be hooked up like a fish. I have been receiving similar stuff lately. Be aware specially if you are looking to make some investment out of stocks. They will hook upo you very easily.
williamJul 20th 2010 9:17AM
I find it hard to feel sorry for this chump. The simple hard truth of the matter is that this attorney was greedy and that is why he got scammed. Attorneys are taught to question everything. There are no exceptions. I guess he slept through his first year of law school.
gravedancerJul 20th 2010 9:32AM
Let's face it, everyone already knows lawyers are greedy dirt bags, and most aren't really very smart..just glib of tongue with a good command of manipulating the language.
Pete AielloJul 20th 2010 9:34AM
Well, well, well, it couldn't have happened to a better bottom -feeder !
avantgardenxJul 20th 2010 10:13AM
For the record, not every lawyer is greedy. Believe it or not, some people, myself included, want to become lawyers, not for the monetary compensation, but because we like to actually help people. There is something to be said for the "ambulance chaser" lawyers and some divorce attorneys, but saying that all lawyers are greedy is a greatly misguided stereotype.
mark youngJul 20th 2010 10:36AM
no it's not.