Seems these days that spam and phishing schemes are coming from everywhere: email, text messages, Facebook friend requests, LinkedIn Invitations, fax machines... yeah, everywhere pretty much sums it up. Over the last couple weeks I've observed a scheme targeting many of our law firm clients. A person, or more likely a team of crooks with lots of time on their hands, are filling out the email contact forms on law firm websites. The form appears to be coming from a Mr. Daniel Wong who claims to be a representative or President of Trailblazer Communications with its "head office in Singapore." He is supposedly seeking legal representation to help his company with delinquent American business accounts.
I was first tipped off by this when a couple of our clients asked me if the emails were legit. One of the first clues was to wonder why Mr. Daniel Wong, supposedly with multi-million dollar accounts to collect on, was contacting estate planning attorneys, family law firms, criminal defense lawyers and even our own company for help. The second tip-off came courtesy of Google, which lead to an Asian Business blog operated by attorney Richard Kuslan, whom I've actually spoken with in the past on separate matters. He has posted examples on his blog that are eerily similar to the ones received by our clients here, here and here.
If you're ever contacted by e-mail, or even phone, and something just doesn't seem quite right, take a minute to test out your suspicions on Google. Often by copying and pasting a unique part of the message or even the phone number you've received into Google you'll quickly find out whether others have reported on that message already.
Educate yourself about email phishing at these websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/phishing/identify.mspx
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt127.shtm
So, to help guide those lawyers who have been contacted by Mr. Daniel Wong of Trailblazer Communications here's the scoop: if you've received the following e-mails or something similar either directly or through your website, do not respond, they are a scam, just delete them, warn your staff and get on with your day.
"Attention Counsel The management of Trailblazer Communications Asia Pte Ltd requires your legal representation for our North American delinquent Customers. We are of the opinion that a reputable attorney is required to represent us in North America in order for us to recover monies due to our organization by overseas customers, and as well follow up with these accounts. In order to achieve these objectives a good and reputable law firm like yours will be required to handle this service. We understand that a proper Attorney Client agreement must be entered into by both parties. This will be done immediately we receive your letter of acceptance. Attorney, Your questions regarding this Proposal is welcome. Once more thank you for taking time from your busy Schedule to read this mail. Mr Daniel Wong President Trailblazer Communications Asia Pte Ltd Tel: 622 636 3476 Fax: 622 637 2457 Email:infotrailblazer@yahoo.com.sg"
"Attention Counsel: I have previously sent you an email; please confirm the receipt of this mail due to the urgency of this matter. If you are not in position to represent us at the moment kindly advice immediately. After a careful review, we decided to contact you to represent our company in North America . Trailblazer Communications Asia Pte Ltd is a communication company with its head office in Singapore, and branches all over Asia continent. We got your contact details from your local States chamber of commerce. The management of Trailblazer Communications Asia Pte Ltd requires your legal representation for our North American delinquent Customers. We are of the opinion that a reputable attorney is required to represent us in North America in order for us to recover monies due to our organization by overseas customers, and as well follow up with these accounts. In order to achieve these objectives a good and reputable law firm like yours will be required to handle this service. We understand that a proper Attorney Client agreement must be entered into by both parties. This will be done immediately we receive your letter of acceptance. Attorney, you can advise us what is required, and draw a proper letter of engagement that will be review by our board. We are most inclined to commence talks with you as soon as possible. We shall bring you into a detailed picture of what your responsibility is, when we receive your response. Your consideration of our request is highly anticipated, and we look forward to your prompt response to this request. Your questions regarding this Proposal is welcome. Once more thank you for taking time from your busy Schedule to read this mail. Mr.Daniel Wong President Trailblazer Communications Asia Pte Ltd Tel:+6562276367 Fax:+6562276373 Email:info_trailblazercommsltd@yahoo.com.sg"
