The State Bar of Michigan warns of a recent scam targeting attorneys reported in Michigan.
Several Michigan attorneys have been targeted recently by scammers requesting escrow services for the purchase or lease of large items such as barges, yachts, excavation equipment, and even medical ventilators. When the attorney responds, the “seller” will provide documents such as the purchase agreement, escrow agreement, driver’s license, and passport. Once the check is received and deposited into the IOLTA or other trust account, the “seller” will press the attorney to remit the proceeds before the check actually clears, but after the funds are available in the account. Then the check will bounce and overdraft the account.
Michigan State Police recommend that attorneys who have been targeted in a scam contact the Michigan Cyber Command Center at MC3@michigan.gov.
Those who believe they have been targeted in a scam that other Michigan attorneys should know about should email hello@michbar.org after alerting authorities.
