Names to watch out for
Email scammers use a variety of names and identities as they attempt to defraud their targets. Some names appear to be used because the scammer has falsified or stolen identity documents. Names are also quickly changed if information is circulated about the scam.
The following list of names is provided for quick reference if you receive an email which you think might be fraudulent. The list has been compiled from reports received. It is very important to note that most (if not all) of the names may belong to a completely innocent individual whose identity is being used by the scammers. If you receive an email which is purportedly from one of the names below, you should also check the content of the message to see if it contains similar elements to commonly used email scams. Scammers have relatively little imagination and when targeting lawyers they use one of about half a dozen scams.
| Name | Scam associated with |
|---|---|
| Alice Wood | Legal representation |
| Anthony J Earl | New Zealand house purchase |
| Brenda Blumenkrantz | Collaborative Law Agreement |
| Brett Abraham | Litigation of a loan |
| Crystal Masaru | Collaborative Law Agreement |
| David Yap Chung | Legal representation |
| Elizabeth Yamashita | Loan agreement and promissory note |
| Eric Muller | Litigation of a loan |
| Hak Wah Lau | Legal representation |
| Isabella Minoru | Collaborative Law Agreement |
| James Cole | New Zealand house purchase |
| James Gilliard | Breach of loan agreement |
| Kazuo Miyoko | Collaborative Law Agreement |
| Lynda W Cheng | Collaborative Law Agreement |
| Marybeth Fordam | Loan agreement and promissory note |
| Maxwell Logan | Legal representation |
| Michel Susan Patrick | Collaborative Law Agreement |
| Mike Garry | New Zealand house purchase |
| Rod Aquino | AMINZ referral |
| Rupert Murdoch | Business loan |
| Sanitra Mary Jacob | Loan agreement and promissory note |
| Sheila Shquingzhou | New Zealand house purchase |
| Stafford S Mark | Loan agreement and promissory note |
| Steve Maughan | New Zealand house purchase |
| Zaira Hoshiko | Collaborative Law Agreement |
Features of commonly used scams which target lawyers
AMINZ referral
Sent to AMINZ members and seeks assistance in collecting a debt. Further information here.
Business loan
Seeks assistance in recovering unpaid portion of a loan made to a business or person living in “your jurisdiction”. Futher information here.
Collaborative Law Agreement
Seeks assistance in recovering a matrimonial settlement which is documented by a collaborative law agreement. Further information here.
Legal representation
Seeking a lawyer to represent a company doing business (usually) in North America. Further information here.
Litigation of a loan
Wants legal assistance in possible litigation over a loan. Further information here.
Loan agreement and promissory note
Seeks legal assistance in chasing repayment of a well-documented loan. Further information here.
New Zealand house purchase
Seeks assistance with purchase and payment for a house in New Zealand. Further information here.