Commercial debt collection scam by Gunjirou Kentaro of Hokuriku Electric Co
Description of Potential Fraud:

Five lawyers in Ontario and the U.S. have notified us that they received an email from the purported Gunjirou Kentaro of Hokuriku Electric Co with regards to a commercial debt collection scam. For examples of other names attached to this kind of fraud see our Confirmed Fraud Page. For an explanation of how this fraud works see our Fraud Fact Sheet.
Here is the initial email:
From: Hokuriku Electric Co Ltd [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, July 09, 2013 4:41 PM
To:
Subject: litigation case
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’m requesting your legal advice. After a careful review of your firms profile as well as your qualification and experience, we are of the opinion that your 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,
Gunjirou Kentaro
Email: [email protected]
Kentaro HOKURIKU ELECTRONICS DOCUMENTs
A lawyer who replied got this reponse and fake documentation:
Thanks for your responds, please see attached document for your review run a conflict check and advice on your retainer fee Our opposing company information is below the breach of contract is for the sum of $1,200,000.00
Debtor
Power Corporation West
2024 Arkansas Valley Dive, Suite 508
Little Rock, AR 72212
Please send us retainer agreement (engagement letter) looking forward hearing from you. Please scroll down to the last page of the contract below paragraph 21 and wait for five seconds you will find the two company signature and the seal.
Regards,
Gunjirou Kentaro
Senior Executive Manager,
Hokuriku Electric Co., Ltd
233, Hokkeji, Namerikawa,
Toyama 936-8558 Japan
EMAIL: [email protected]
Kentaro HOKURIKU ELECTRONICS DOCUMENTs
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 10, 2013 at 6:19 pm, Chris Gander said:
Our firm just received this letter in Australia too:
>>> Wessler Hillary 11/10/2013 8:56 AM >>>
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’m requesting your legal advice. After a careful review of your firms profile as well as your qualification and experience, we are of the opinion that your 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]
October 23, 2013 at 2:42 pm, Tom Abrahams said:
Here is another one from Wessler Hillary:
Dear_____,
I just received your e-mail and i write to give you brief details of the $290,000.00 i gave to my friend _____ San Jose, CA 95129, United States.
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 $40,000.00 to me. Ever since he started making empty promises in paying back the balance $250,000.00.
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
…..
San Jose, CA 95129, United States.
I want you to advise me of your retainer charges and also copy of your engagement letter which will enable us proceed.
Sincerely
Wessler Hillary
[email protected]
December 19, 2013 at 12:22 pm, Allan M. Huycke said:
I just received the Hillary Wessler litigation email today; so apparently this scam is still circulating
January 09, 2014 at 8:33 am, Carlo Bottino said:
I am an Italian lawyer from Milan. Me too I ‘ ve got an email last 3th december by Wessler Hillary with the same content. This scam still circulate; H