how to detect and prevent money scams
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How to detect and prevent money scams that law firms fall prey to - practical tips/ethical responsibilitiesTRANSCRIPT
How to Detect and Prevent Money Scams:
Practical Tips and Ethical Responsibilities
Amber Hollister – Oregon State BarBeverly Michaelis – Professional Liability Fund
The Overseas E-mail Solicitation
The Out-of-State Lawyer
The Web Site Contact Form
Tell-Tale Signs of a Scam
1. Not specifically addressed
2. Short on details
3. Outside your practice area
4. Sender unknown
Tell-Tale Signs of a Scam
5. Originates from free service
6. Documents too simple
7. Inconsistent information
8. Pirated graphics
You Might Fall for a Scam If …
“I found you in a legal directory”
“Lawyer referral gave me your name”
The parties are in Oregon
Your concerns are placated
The Client Impersonator
The Scam Caller
I’m sorry but your bar card has expired and your membership dues must be paid immediately.
DO NOT1. Accept excuses regarding e-mail
2. Believe in miracle debt payments
3. Wire proceeds
Verify facts
Reserve the right to hold funds
Wait for funds to clear
Understand banking practices
DO
Check Web site analytics
Call the Bar or PLF
Protect your information
Know how to spot counterfeit checks
DO
o www.scamwarners.com
o http://lawyerscam.blogpost.com
o www.oregonconsumer.gov
o http://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer/pdf/consumer_protection_brochure.pdf
DO MONITOR SCAM SITES
YES Deposit to Account of Payee
Bank of OregonFor Deposit OnlyJane AttorneyAccount 233-56678
NO
Avoiding Counterfeit Checks
Words and numbers match
Account number is not shiny
Signature not traced
Check is not altered in any way
Ethics Q & A
Disbursing Uncollected Funds
Duty to safeguard
Overdraft notification
Verifying the Story
Do I need client consent to disclose the facts?
Lost IOLTA Checks
1. Duty to safeguard client property
2. Who pays the fee?
Help! My new client wants to wire funds into my IOLTA account…
Receiving Wire Transfers
If Client Funds are Taken…
Duty of Confidentiality
Lawyer-client relationship
Report to law enforcement
Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov
Internet Crime Complaint Centerwww.ic3.gov
National Fraud Information Center www.fraud.org
Reporting Scams