by FraudInfo

Date First Reported: October 2014

Primary Name Associated: Leechan Yamato

Description of Potential Fraud:

fraud-warning

A California firm notified us that they received an email from the purported Leechan Yamato of Atem Medical Equipments 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 email from the fraudster to the lawyer:

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2014 10:51 PM
To: Recipients
Subject: Case
>
Hello,
My company would like to sue our client for breach of contract. do you handle cases on breach of contract? Please advice.
Leechan Yamato

Replying to the email brought this response:

We appreciate you giving us a chance to discuss our case. First, we placed an order of some goods from Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. They gave us a price that our company was very comfortable with. We agreed to deal with them, We signed their sales contract and complied with all their terms. They requested we pay half of the total cost of goods and the other half when they have delivered. We did just as requested and till date not even one item was delivered. We reminded them that the time frame for delivery has elapsed, we also made them aware that we have run out of patience and want our money refunded. Till date, we have neither gotten any goods nor received our full money. We tried to be reasonable and resolve this issue amicably but our entire plea has landed on deaf ears. We have decided to put an end to it finally. We know we cannot do this alone again, which is why we need a reputable attorney like you to step in. Find below details of supplier for your conflict check.

Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.
1156 N McCadden Pl. Hollywood,
CA 90038

We want every dollar owed to our company refunded. They have taken us for granted and that we can`t take anymore. We are ready to proceed with litigation if the need should arise. Let us know the best way to have this issue tackled and we would comply as long as we get results. The loss this failed transaction has caused our company has become unbearable. we do countless transactions on a daily basis all over the world, we have demands of clients to meet , maintain the stability of our company and staff. This cannot be achieved if we fold our arms and accept losses like this. If we do, then in no time we will be ran out of business by our contenders. All relating documents are attached. We have raised some concerns and would like you to respond in detail in your next email.

Are they any foibles you see in this case? when the time comes for hearing, the distance gives us some concern. How can that be handled. ? How long have you practiced? How much is you fee. ? What should we expect from you. ? Any guarantees. ? If bankruptcy is filed what is our defense. ?

Kindly have your “Engagement Letter”/retainer fee arrangement sent for our perusal or please provide us with a referral if you cannot take our case.

A quick response would be most appreciated.

Best Regards,
Leechan Yamato.
ATEM MEDICAL EQUIPMENTS LTD
3-33, Nakanoshima 6-chome Kita-ku,
Osaka, 530-0005, Japan
TEL:+(81) 43 467 2224
FAX: (852) 47 65 8425

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. Instructions on how to report a claim are here.

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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.