Commercial debt collection scam using the names Aaron Lee and A&A Electronic Distributing
Date First Reported: May 2016
Primary Name Associated: Aaron Lee
Description of Potential Fraud:
A New Jerseylawyer notified us that he received an email from the purported Aaron Lee of A&A Electronic Distributing looking to retain him with regards to a commercial debt collection.
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 to see other names associated with it. Our Fraud Fact Sheet lists the red flags of a bogus legal matter that is really a fraud.
There may be a real Aaron Lee and A&A Electronic Distributing whose names are being used without their knowledge.
Here is the initial contact email sent by the fraudster to the lawyer:
——- Original Message ——– Subject: Legal Representation Requested
Date: Thu, 5 Sep 2013 09:52:16 -0700 (MST)
From: A and A Electronic Distributing Inc
Reply-To: [email protected]
September 05, 2013
RE: A & A Electronic Distributing, Inc
Dear Counsel
I am writing on behalf of A & A Electronic Distributing, Inc to request
your possible representation on a breach of contract/Litigation case in
matters concerning A & A and a client in your state. Our legal
representative will be unable to handle this case at this time due to ill
health and more so, because it is out of their jurisdiction.
We believe that the matter is within your area, which is why we request
your legal services and possible representation. Do let us know your
position regarding the matter, as we look forward to a prompt response
from you.
Sincerely,
Aaron Lee.
A & A Elec Dist, Inc
Farmington, NM
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.
For more immediate updates on fraud and claims prevention, subscribe to the email or RSS feed updates from LAWPRO’s AvoidAClaim blog.
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.
September 24, 2013 at 10:33 am, St. Pete Injury lawyer said:
I literally just received this email, I’m so happy this website exists. I’m always tempted to write back and ask them more about the case. Is there any ethical violation involved for messing around with people trying to defraud me?