Separation agreement scam by Kathrine Chung
Date First Reported: September 2012
Primary Name Associated: Kathrine Chung
Description of Potential Fraud:
Three lawyers in Ontario and the US have notified us that they’ve been contacted by the purported Michelle Kathrine Chung with regards to a to a collaborative family law agreement dispute. This is a fraud we have seen before under several other names and similar scenarios. For details on how this fraud works and a full list of names attached to it see our Confirmed Fraud page.
Here is the initial email:
Message from
To:
Subject: Hello
I need your Legal assistance over a Seperation Agreement. Kathrine Chung
A lawyer who replied got this response and fake documentation:
Thank you for your prompt response to my inquiry. I live in South Korea while My ex spouse Glen Chung lives in Jurisdiction. As a result of time difference it is a little bit difficult to reach you. We were divorced in South Korea but my ex husband Glen Chung relocated to the United States. He is a citizen. We both agreed under a separation Agreement incorporated, merged into and made part of the court decree for a settlement of Child Support, Spousal Support, and Medical support of $741,500.00, he has paid me $230,000.00 but still owing $511.500.00 and the stipulated time for completion of payment has long elapsed. This is the reason why I contacted you as there is already an agreement in place. I know for sure my ex husband has the financial means to pay for balance he owes me.
Thus, I request your legal services to enforce the court order compelling him to remit balance owed me. Attached is a copy of the terms of separation agreement, and the Court’s Decree (i.e. Divorce Decree) and I will be pleased to provide further information on this case on request.
I expect this to be resolved in a timely manner. Sequel to this, If you are happy to proceed, kindly send me a copy of your retainer and if the terms are acceptable I will sign so we can commence the process without delay.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and professionalism
Yours truly,
Kathrine Chung
Address: 928-12 Daechi 3-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-502, South Korea
Chung Divorce Decree
Chung Separation Agreement
How to handle a real or suspected fraud
If you have been targeted by any of these frauds, please forward any of the emails and supporting documents that you have received to [email protected].
If you suspect you are acting on a matter that might be a fraud, call LAWPRO at 1-800-410-1013 (416-598-5899). We will talk you through the common fraud scenarios we are seeing and help you spot red flags that may indicate you are being duped. This will help you ask appropriate questions of your client to determine if the matter is legitimate or not. If the matter you are acting on turns out to be a fraud and there is a potential claim, we will work with you to prevent the fraud and minimize potential claims costs.
If you have been successfully duped, please immediately notify LAWPRO as there may be a claim against you.
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Fraud Fact Sheet More fraud prevention information and resources are available on the practicePRO Fraud page, including the Fraud Fact Sheet, a handy reference for lawyers and law firm staff that describes the common frauds and the red flags that can help identify them.
October 18, 2012 at 12:56 pm, SCooper said:
I just received the same scam letter from a Kathrine Chung. Immediately thereafter, I received a Fed Ex package purportedly from NY Mellen Group with a fake cashiers check from Chase Bank.
November 20, 2012 at 4:04 pm, Dan Dandes said:
Thanks a lot… I got the same letter and check from “Mrs. Chung’.
I hope everybody is aware about situations like this.
It seems that we are invaded by scams everyday.
Keep the good faith , stay in touch and inform each other, and let do our work as correctly is possible.
With consideration for all my Layers Colleagues,
Dan Dandes Esq.