by Nora Lockwood Tooher

The basic scam goes like this: A new client calls or e-mails asking an attorney to act as intermediary in collecting a debt, obtaining a business loan or obtaining a lump sum alimony settlement. Within days, sometimes before the attorney even sends a letter on the matter, a third party sends a check for the full amount requested. The client, in rush-rush mode, asks the attorney to wire the money to an overseas account, minus the attorney fees.

The attorney complies, then discovers that the initial check was fraudulent.

It's a scenario that is playing out throughout North America, as tech-savvy con artists target solo and small-firm lawyers with sophisticated check fraud scams. (Read Full Article)