Separation agreement scam by Pascha Chang
Date First Reported: November 2012
Primary Name Associated: Pascha Chang
Description of Potential Fraud:
Seven lawyers in Ontario and the U.S. have notified us that they’ve been contacted by the purported Pascha Chang 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 from the fraudster to the lawyer, the subsequent response and fake documentation:
From: Pascha Chang [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: November-21-12 5:34 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: I need a Lawyer
I wish to file a contempt petition against my ex-spouse for failure to make court ordered payments of Child Support, Spousal Support and Medical support. Please advise if you handle such case.
I want you to know that i received your information from the Lawyer Referral Service. Thanks
Pascha Chang
Replying to the email brought this response:
Thank you for your prompt response to my inquiry. I live in Japan while My ex spouse Park Chang lives in your city as a result of time difference it is difficult to reach you. We were divorced in South korea but my ex husband Park Chang relocated to the United State. 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 $610,500.00 , he has paid me $165,000.00 but still owing $445,500.00 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.and I will be pleased to provide further information (Documents) 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,
Pascha Chang
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.
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