Separation agreement scam by Crystal Hokkien
Date First Reported: May 2013
Primary Name Associated: Crystal Hokkien
Description of Potential Fraud:
Three lawyers in the U.S. have notified us that they’ve been contacted by the purported Crystal Hokkien with regards to a to a collaborative family law agreement dispute. This is a fraud we have seen before under several other names and similar scenarios. 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: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 6:45:49 AM
Subject: Hello
I am seeking legal representation to enforce settlement agreement
A lawyer who replied got this response and fake documentation:
Dear Counsel,
Thanks for your mail. I agree to pay your retainer fee. Am currently working in Japan for the past 6 months now and my ex- spouse lives in your region. Due to the time difference (+13hrs EST) it is a little bit difficult to determine the best time to call you. We agreed under a property settlement Agreement attached to this mail for a onetime cash settlement of $786,920.00 USD and $271,600.00 USD for property division and Family support respectively. To his credit, he has paid me $200,000.00 USD from a total of $1,058,520 but still owing $800,520.00 USD. Hence, I need your counsel in order to collect the balance owed to me under the settlement agreement.
The Final judgment of dissolution of marriage also attached makes reference to a Settlement Agreement being attached to and incorporated therein. He is aware of my intention to seek legal actions by retaining your firm. Please send me your firm’s retainer agreement letter via email attachment so that we can proceed. Thank you for your help and have a pleasant day.
Regards,
Crystal H
Address: Sumida-ku, Arka Central Building, 89F Tokyo Japan
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.
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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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