Commercial debt collection scam by Kazuo Hirai of Chuko Electric Co Ltd
Date First Reported: May 2013
Primary Name Associated: Kazuo Hirai
Description of Potential Fraud:
Fourteen lawyers in Canada and the U.S. have notified us that they received an email from the purported Kazuo Hirai of Chuko Electric Co Ltd 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: Chuko Electric Co Ltd [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 2:27 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
Regards,
Kazuo Hirai
Email: [email protected]
A lawyer who replied got this response 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
B & M Electric
4027 North Alston Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
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
Kazuo Hirai
Senior Executive Manager,
Chuko Electric Co., Ltd
6-16, Sakae-cho 2-chome, Kawaguchi, Saitama
ZIP 332-0017
EMAIL: [email protected]
HIRAI CHUKO ELECTRONICS DOCUMENT IL ——CHUKO
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.
May 30, 2013 at 5:13 am, James P. Duffy, III, Esq. said:
I have received virtually identical documents regarding a purported claim against a commercial party in Ridgewood, New York. In view of this post, I am going to ignore it. I have also forwarded the relevant emails and documents to [email protected].
June 06, 2013 at 10:35 am, Joe Mas said:
Our law firm in Dallas Texas also received almost an identical lead, with the same documents. Sure is a time and resource killer.