In an era of increasing sophistication in scams, fraudsters have found a new tactic: exploiting real business names and lawyer identities, likely scraped from Secretary of State websites or public records, to bolster their credibility. This scheme not only tarnishes reputations but also endangers unsuspecting victims who may unknowingly engage in fraudulent dealings.
I recently uncovered such a scam involving one of my clients’ business names. Fraudsters are falsely claiming to represent this business and, disturbingly, falsely naming me as their attorney. Their ruse? Pretending to be brokers searching for rental properties for high-profile events, such as PGA tournaments, including an upcoming event in Puerto Vallarta.
This scheme is particularly alarming because it blends legitimate-sounding business dealings with fabricated documents and legal representation. By using the names of real businesses and lawyers, scammers make their operations appear credible and professional, luring in their victims with carefully constructed lies.
How to Protect Yourself
Here are a few steps you can take to stay vigilant:
- Verify Credentials: Always independently verify the identity of businesses, brokers, and attorneys involved in a transaction. Cross-check their contact details with official websites or directories. In the instances of the recent scammers using my client’s business name, a couple of the people contacted avoiding being a victim by calling our office. We were able to verify we were not involved and that it was a scam.
- Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: If you are approached with a seemingly lucrative or urgent opportunity, take the time to investigate its legitimacy thoroughly. Think: would a legtimate business contact me in this manner? If it feels wrong, it probably is wrong.
- Scrutinize Documentation: Look for inconsistencies, odd wording, or formatting in contracts or correspondence. A professional review can often reveal red flags.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect fraud, notify the business or lawyer whose name is being misused and report the scam to local authorities or consumer protection agencies. It is very hard to catch these scammers because most of them reside outside the country, but it is good to provide information to authorities so they can get information out about the scams.
A Personal Note
This particular incident was not on my bingo card for the year. Seeing my name falsely attached to such a scam is unsettling, but it reinforces the importance of diligence and transparency. By staying informed and cautious, we can collectively minimize the damage caused by these bad actors.
Remember, if something feels off, trust your instincts. Stay vigilant!
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