Predictions! New Web and Blog Scam Aimed at Lawyers!
First the scam. I just ran into this post from Reid My Blog about the false use of a lawyer's name and web site to defraud people. I think all lawyers need to be aware of the scams out there that could impact their clients. While I don't have any great ideas about how to answer this threat, other than communicate with existing clients, the threat seems real.
Most of us occasionally receive an email from someone claiming to be looking for a lawyers with our unspecified qualifications. The e-mail is always from a foreign country, although which one is hard to know. As lawyers we can laugh at the weak attempt to steal money from us or our clients. This new scam seems to rely upon the victim checking to see that the attorney is in good standing, and relying upon that information to fall for the scam, without the knowledge of the attorney.
As always, we need to be aware and watch for any unusual activity.
Predictions for 2009
Keeping with the theme of crime and fraud, I am predicting that 2009 will bring new revelations about additional criminal complaints for major fraud schemes. I can't feel comfortable believing the Madoff and Petter are the only major financial criminals. The era of deregulation has had a fairly long run, and when no-one is looking, there are always people ready to take advantage. I predict, without any actual knowledge of any investigation, that there will be several more arrests for major frauds. Hopefully I am wrong, and the worst is over.
I am interested in what others think.
Finally: Happy New Year to All!
Gavin Craig
