How to Detect and Prevent Money Scams

How to Detect and Prevent Money Scams:

Practical Tips and Ethical Responsibilities

Amber Hollister – Oregon State BarBeverly Michaelis – Professional Liability Fund

The Overseas E-mail Solicitation

The Out-of-State Lawyer

The Web Site Contact Form

Tell-Tale Signs of a Scam

1. Not specifically addressed

2. Short on details

3. Outside your practice area

4. Sender unknown

Tell-Tale Signs of a Scam

5. Originates from free service

6. Documents too simple

7. Inconsistent information

8. Pirated graphics

You Might Fall for a Scam If …

“I found you in a legal directory”

“Lawyer referral gave me your name”

The parties are in Oregon

Your concerns are placated

The Client Impersonator

The Scam Caller

I’m sorry but your bar card has expired and your membership dues must be paid immediately.

DO NOT1. Accept excuses regarding e-mail

2. Believe in miracle debt payments

3. Wire proceeds

Verify facts

Reserve the right to hold funds

Wait for funds to clear

Understand banking practices

DO

Check Web site analytics

Call the Bar or PLF

Protect your information

Know how to spot counterfeit checks

DO

o www.scamwarners.com

o http://lawyerscam.blogpost.com

o www.oregonconsumer.gov

o http://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer/pdf/consumer_protection_brochure.pdf

DO MONITOR SCAM SITES

YES Deposit to Account of Payee

Bank of OregonFor Deposit OnlyJane AttorneyAccount 233-56678

NO

Avoiding Counterfeit Checks

Words and numbers match

Account number is not shiny

Signature not traced

Check is not altered in any way

Ethics Q & A

Disbursing Uncollected Funds

Duty to safeguard

Overdraft notification

Verifying the Story

Do I need client consent to disclose the facts?

Lost IOLTA Checks

1. Duty to safeguard client property

2. Who pays the fee?

Help! My new client wants to wire funds into my IOLTA account…

Receiving Wire Transfers

If Client Funds are Taken…

Duty of Confidentiality

Lawyer-client relationship

Report to law enforcement

Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov

Internet Crime Complaint Centerwww.ic3.gov

National Fraud Information Center www.fraud.org

Reporting Scams