Business loan collection scam using the name Wessler Hillary
Date First Reported: October 2013
Primary Name Associated: Wessler Hillary
Description of Potential Fraud:
[Updated Dec 2013]
Fifteen lawyers in Ontario, Quebec, the U.S. and Nigeria have notified us that they received an email from the purported Wessler Hillary looking to retain them with regards to a breach of a business loan agreement.
This is a classic bad cheque scam that presents as legal matter requiring the assistance of a lawyer. In this scam lawyers will be duped into wiring real funds from their trust accounts after depositing a fake cheque received as payment from the debtor (who is part of the fraud). See our Confirmed Fraud Page for more of an explanation of how these frauds work and other names associated with it , and our Fraud Fact Sheet for a list the red flags of a bogus legal matter that is really a fraud.
Here is the initial contact email sent by the fraudster to the lawyer:
From: Wessler Hillary [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2013 9:24 AM
To: info
Subject: Reply back
This is a request for your legal consultation services; I would like your advice regarding possible representation on a litigation case concerning breach of contract/collection matters. I believe that the matter is within your jurisdiction which is why i am requesting your legal advice. After a careful review of your firms profile as well as your qualification and experience i have the opinion that you are qualified to provide the legal services as requested. Do let me know your position in reviewing this matter, so I may provide any additional information. I look forward to your prompt response.
Regards,
Wessler Hillary
E-mail: [email protected]
Replying to the email brought this response:
I just received your e-mail and i write to give you brief details of the $290,000.00 i gave to my friend Mr. David Troyer who reside at of 10 King Street W Suite E05 Toronto, ON M6K 3G3 Canada.
Mr. David Troyer was my old friend back in school. When he visited me in June, 2012 we were together then he asked if i can lend him the sum of $290,000.00 to put in Business. I agreed of giving him the funds due to the closeness of our friendship and also on the condition that he is going to pay back the complete funds within One year.
He agreed to the terms and conditions given on the Agreement. On the 14th June 2012 i issued out a cheque of $290,000.00 to him. The first and only install mental payment he sent was on the 26th November 2012 when he sent a cheque of $80,000.00 to me. Ever since he started making empty promises in paying back the balance $210,000.00.
Attach is the copy of the Agreement and also scan copy for the cheque of $290,000.00 issued to Mr. David Troyer for your record. The reasons i contacted your office is because i recommend that the balance funds be reimburse to me as soon as possible with the assistance of an attorney it will demonstrate and prove that a resolution should be made and monies collected appropriately.
Below is the contact information of my friend
David Troyer
10 King Street W Suite E05 Toronto, ON M6K 3G3 Canada.
I want you to advise me of your retainer charges and also copy of your engagement letter which will enable us proceed.
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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