Commercial debt collection scam using the names Kazuhiro Hirahara and Hinode Electric Co
Description of Potential Fraud:

[Updated March 2014]
44 lawyers in the US have notified us that they received an email from the purported Kazuhiro Hirahara of Hinode Electric Co looking 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,and subsequent reply:
From: Hinode Electric Co Ltd
Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at 7:18 AM
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,
Kazuhiro Hirahara
CEO and President
Hinode Electric Co., Ltd
18-9, Hokima 1-chome,
Adachi-ku, Tokyo 121-0064 Japan
Email: [email protected]
http://www.hinodedenki.co.jp/
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 retainer fees Our opposing company information is below the breach of contract is for the sum of $1,200,000.00
Debtor
Americor Electronics, Ltd. 675 S. Lively Blvd. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Please send us retainer agreement (engagement letter) looking forward hearing from you.
Regards,
Kazuhiro Hirahara
CEO and President
Hinode Electric Co., Ltd
18-9, Hokima 1-chome,
Adachi-ku, Tokyo 121-0064 Japan
Email: [email protected]
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.
March 12, 2014 at 4:14 pm, Darrell Grams said:
I received an e-mail today, supposedly from Hinode Electric.
March 13, 2014 at 5:23 pm, Trent Miller said:
I received an email today, supposedly from Hinode Electric. Thanks for this page, which confirmed my suspicion that it is phishing.
March 20, 2014 at 7:52 am, Joseph F. Albrechta said:
I received an email and then supporting material that claimed to support the $1.2 million collection. We checked on the web to see if this was a fraud and found this web site.
December 10, 2014 at 1:48 pm, Tom Vitale said:
New company same old scam: Maruha Electric Co, Ltd, Yoshihiro Tanamura, CEO and President. Exact same hook (verbatim), and there is a web history of company, website, a host of documentation, etc. BE CAREFUL!!!!