by FraudInfo

Description of Potential Fraud:

fraud-warning

20 lawyers in Ontario and the U.S. have notified us that they received an email from the purported Mitsuo Iwai of Hagiwara Electric Colooking to retain them 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.

Here is the initial contact email sent by the fraudster to the lawyer,subsequet response and fake documenation:

From: [email protected]
To:
Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 22:30:40 -0500
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,

Mitsuo Iwai
Senior Executive Manager,
Hagiwara Electric Co., Ltd
3-3, Higashi Sakura 2-chome, Higashi-ku,
Nagoya, Aichi 461-8520Japan
EMAIL: [email protected]

Replying to the email brought this response:

Thanks for your responds, please see attached document for your review run a conflict check and advice on your contingency basis / retainer fees Our opposing company information is below the breach of contract is for the sum of $1,200,000.00

Debtor

Sun Electronics International Inc.
16725 NW 20th Ave
Miami Gardens, FL 33056

Please send us retainer agreement (engagement letter) looking forward hearing from you.

Regards,

Mitsuo Iwai

Senior Executive Manager,
Hagiwara Electric Co., Ltd
3-3, Higashi Sakura 2-chome, Higashi-ku,
Nagoya, Aichi 461-8520 Japan
EMAIL: [email protected]

Iwai CONTRACT HAGIWARA FL

Iwai HAGIWARA ELECTRONICS DOCUMENT FL ——HAGIWARA

Iwai HAGIWARA DEMAND LETTER FL 1

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.