Close

Spam + Scam Emails Targeting Law Firms

Spam emails targeting lawyers have affected firms even before the early days of SEO for law firms.  We work with a large number of law firms across the country. One interesting benefit to having such wide reach is that we see A TON of the same emails that target law firms. So we took the most common spam emails targeting law firms and put them together in this blog post for you.

There are two broad categories of spam emails that we typically see our clients receiving. The first category is from low-quality marketing agencies or consultants who try to solicit business from law firms by scraping contact email addresses and then blasting automated emails out. This is an extremely unethical and even shady practice, and working with agencies that engage in this should be avoided. If an agency does this, they either desperately need business or at the very least do not spend their time seeking out new clients effectively.

The second type of spam email is from people who disguise as potential clients in need of legal services for a collection or transactional representation. Often the goal here is a variation on the retainer check fraud scam.  The attorney is sent a fake check as a retainer and then asked to quickly send back the difference between the amount sent and the fees/time collected by the attorney via a foreign wire transfer. By the time the bank catches that the check is fake, the scammers have disappeared with the difference. These can sometimes be more difficult to spot, though there are often numerous red flags with these emails. Examples being frequent misspellings or grammar mistakes and an unusual request for personal details of the firm. These entries are also often submitted from email addresses with non-US domain extensions such as.jp or.ru, which is often the quickest way to spot a junk request.

One benefit of having so many clients in the legal space is that we get to see trends and test methods across a number of practice areas and geographies.  If something works, we adapt it client-base-wide.  An unintended side-effect is that we see the same fraudulent emails (typically within minutes of each other) come across to multiple clients all at once.  Recently, this scam seem most-often to target older (sorry) partners at commercial litigation firms.

The Real Risks of Scam Emails

The dangers here are many – even if you do not ultimately fall for the scam. First, even replying or engaging with these spammers can often put your email on a list of vulnerable and real email addresses. These lists are often sold or shared with other spammers. This will cause you to get a large amount of additional spam email as opposed to if you had not responded. See the example below where “details will be sent upon your reply”.

Relatedly, if these spammers are expressly using their client’s brand names as examples in these automated, spam marketing techniques – you have to ask whether they are 1.) good enough at the service they provide if their own inbound/social/SEO/content/paid search marketing techniques aren’t resulting in real leads for their own purposes; 2.) if they are willing to resort to spamming email addresses, what other automated techniques are they using or corners they are cutting as part of their clients’ campaigns; and 3.) if they are being this loose with throwing around their client’s brand names, what else are they doing with those brand names?

Finally, one of the other dangers that is often not realized is the physical act of marking these emails as ‘spam’. Often, these messages are submitted from your website’s contact form.  That contact form has an email address that it uses to send these emails on to you – often something like noreply@YOURDOMAIN.com. Some email clients will flag your website’s email address instead of the original sender or the email address the spammer listed.  If you flag enough of these emails as spam, every email (spam and legitimate) sent from your website’s contact form could hit your spam. To avoid this, put in place CAPTCHA, RECAPTCHA, or a spam honeypot on your website’s contact form.  When spam does get through, it is best to delete spam emails generating from your website’s contact form rather than marketing them as spam.

How to Tell if the Email Your Law Firm Received is a Scam

First, see if the email is from Massimo Marchetti or some variation of the name Nicholas Ferris.  If so, it’s probably a scam since we have seen dozens of the exact same email get spammed to multiple clients.

Second, see if any of the copy in the email matches this article or other articles on the internet.  If someone has experienced this exact email or verbatim lines from your email, it is most likely a scam.

Third, keep your antennae up for red flags.  If you receive a single (or multiple) emails asking for the drafting of a purchase agreement, then clearly this should be a red flag.  Furthermore, when a potential client submits an inquiry to you or your firm, they will typically elaborate into the work that needs to be done.  It is rare for someone to be very secretive with the details of a project right off the bat.  With the “kindly respond for more details,” you can see that they are attempting to bring you to them with initial information, not vice-versa, which is atypical on first contact with a potential client.

Fourth, go to their website.  All of the websites in our examples are non-existent.  If there is a website, check the registration whois record and see if it matches the information in the email.  It is also not uncommon for scammers to use a real overseas company’s names and email domains, however.  If the website exists, look up that company’s attorney on record for a recent transaction.  Contact that attorney instead of who emailed you.

Last, take a look at the phone numbers.  Many emails claim to from the same organization (in the above examples called “stakcontractors”) yet they have different area codes.  This should be an immediate red flag.  And, as mentioned above, the way in which the message is asking you to respond should clue you in to this being a scam inquiry.

Once again, scam emails can be dangerous to the operation of your law firm.  Attorneys rely on protecting confidential and private information in order to run their practice.  Some general things to look out for in order to protect yourself:

  • Scam emails typically ask for retainers and/or purchase or sale agreements.
  • Scam emails will typically have broken up English.
  • Scam emails will typically have typographical errors.
  • Scam emails will typically be worded in a way that does not reflect accurate diction.
  • Scam emails will may be from non-existent websites.

What if the Email is Not Obviously a Scam?

Since the differences between spam and legitimate client emails can sometimes be difficult to spot, here are some real examples of spam emails our clients received over the past year.

Purchase Agreement Emails

This is a common subject for spam emails since the details can be left extremely vague.

XXXX
jescocolimited@gmail.com
XXX-XXX-XXXX
I want to inquire if your firm handle purchase transactions and sale of business or if you can assist us in drafting purchase agreement.

We understand that a proper Attorney Client Agreement must be entered into by both parties and your consideration of our request is highly anticipated.

Please if this is not your area of practice we will appreciate it if you can refer us or forward our message to a business attorney that can handle the transaction for us.We look forward to your prompt response.

 

Name: william moore (name kept in because it is confirmed fraudulent)
Email: xxxxxxxx@stakcontractors.com
Phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx
Message: We need a Purchase agreement and bill of sale drafted. Kindly respond for more details

Interpretation: This is a fairly classic purchase/sale agreement scam. This is asking the attorney to contact the “contract company” with a purchase agreement and bill of sale. This may look innocent enough, but contacting “william moore” (notice the lack of cap letters in the name, which is a sign of foreign influence on the scam email) with any sort of personal or private information could lead to an infiltration of your personal accounts, websites, or information. If they take this further, they will mail/wire a check or funds and then ask for a return of unused retainer before their payment clears.

 

Name: Maurice McNamara (name kept in because it is confirmed fraudulent)
Email: xxxxxxx@stakcontractors.com
Phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx
Message: We need a Purchase agreement and bill of sale drafted. Kindly respond for more details.

Interpretation: In this example, we have a person claiming to be “Maurice McNamara.” Notice how the “stakcontractors” email is the same as in example 1.  At least this time, the person submitting the scam email was able to capitalize their own name.

 

Name: XXXX
Email: xxxxxxx@kawayaki.com
Phone: 8145670224
Message: Dear Attorney,
I will like to inquire if your firm handles Purchase transactions and agreements. A referral will be welcomed if this is not your area of practice and also provide me with your contact number and time of availability.

Regards,

Nicholas Ferris

Name:
Email: nicholasnferris@gmail.com
Phone: 424-xxx-xxxx
Message: I write to request the help of an attorney on a breach of sale contract. Contact me so that I can schedule an appointment to speak with the attorney about possible engagement if your firm can help.

Regards,
Nicholas Ferris


 

Massimo Marchetti

Name: Massimo Marchetti (name kept in, confirmed scam)
Email: marchetti.ma@marchettigroup.eu
Phone: 346-xxx-xxxx
Message: Please, I would need your skilled legal counsel to help me handle a full spectrum of purchase and sale agreements transaction, a complete package fromcontract preparation through closing.If this is not your legal field a referral would be fine.

Yours Sincerely,


 

Breach of Sale Contract

Your Name Nicholas Ferris (name kept in, confirmed scam)
Your E-mail Address ferrisnicho.fnoffice@gmail.com
Phone Number (587) xxx-xxxx
Your Message I write to request the help of an attorney on a breach of sale contract.Contact me so that I can schedule an appointment to speak with the attorney

about possible engagement if your firm can help.

Regards,

Nicholas Ferris


 

Purchase and Sale Agreement

Name: XXXX
Email: xxxx@crantequipment.com
Phone: 3245666554
Message: I need a purchase and sale agreement drafted. Respond for more details. xxxx@crantequipment.com
XXXXXX

 

Bill of Sale Agreement

Name: XXXXXC
Email: xxxx@GMAIL.COM
Phone: 3456568905
Message: Please respond if you have experience in drafting Bill of sales and purchase agreements.
XXXXX


 

Contract Preparation Through Closing

Name: Massimo Marchetti (name kept, confirmed scam)
Email: xxxxxx@marchettigroup.eu
Phone: 302-xxx-xxxx
Message: Please, I would need your skilled
legal counsel to help me handle a
full spectrum of purchase and sale
agreements transaction, a complete
package from contract preparation
through closing.If this is not your
legal field a referral would be
fine. Yours Sincerely,
Massimo Marchetti
ma.marchetti@marchettigroup.eu

Interpretation: Someone went halfway down the path with these folks involving the purchase of a crane.  How many deals does Massimo have going at one time?  The global business climate waits for no man, Mr. Marchetti.


 

Purchase & Sale Transactions

Name XXXXX
Email xxxx@valartis-privatebnk.li
Phone 647-xxx-xxxx
Message Hello,

Does your firm handle purchase & sale transactions and
agreements? If not, a referral will be appreciated.

XXXXXXX


 

Sale Agreement

Name XXXX
Email xxxxx@gmail.com
Phone
Message I request the help of an attorney to draft a sale agreement. Respond if you are able to help and schedule a time to discuss details.
Thank you in anticipation of your prompt response.
Yours faithfullyXXXX

 

Breach of Sale

Name: nicholas ferris (name kept in, confirmed scam)
Email: nicholasferristy@gmail.com
Phone: 933-xxx-xxxx
Message: I write to request the help of an attorney on a breach of sale contract.
Contact me so that I can schedule an appointment to speak with the attorney about possible engagement if your firm can help.
Regards,
Nicholas Ferris

 

Take on Sure Case

Name Nicholas Ferris (Name kept in confirmed scam)
Email nicholasferris.office@gmail.com
Phone 882-789-9514
Message Legal representation based on breach of sale contract. I wait to hear from you if your firm take on sure case.

 

A Referral Will be Welcome

Name: XXXXXXXX
Email: xxxxxx@gmail.com
Phone: 704-xxx-xxx
Message: Dear Counsel,

I want to inquire if your firm handles purchase transactions and agreements rather help us to draft a purchase agreement or A referral will be welcome if this is not your area of practice. Kindly advise regarding this issue as soon as possible.Email: xxxx

Yours Sincerely,

xxxxx


 

Full Spectrum of Purchase and Sale Agreements

Name Massimo Marchetti (name kept in, confirmed scam)
Email massimomar@marchettigroup.eu
Phone
Message Please, I would need your skilled legal counsel to help me handle a full spectrum of purchase and sale agreements transaction, a complete package from contract preparation through closing.If this is not your legal field a referral would be fine.

Yours Sincerely,

Massimo Marchetti


 

Anticipation of Prompt Response

Name: XXXX
Email: xxxxxx@denser.nl
Phone: 312-xxx-xxxx
Message: I write to request the help of an attorney to draft a Sale and Purchase Agreement. Schedule a time to discuss details if you can help.

Thank you in anticipation of your prompt response.

Yours faithfully
XXXXX


 

“I shall give you the details as soon as you reply to my request”

Again, this is an obvious red flag. Clients should not wait for you to respond to divulge information about their “case”.

XXXX
enquirieschuoelect@gmail.com
XXX-XXX-XXXX
Good Day,

I am contacting your firm to help us handle a collection matter we believe you are capable to handle such matter, I shall give you the details as soon as you reply to my request.

Contract of Sale Emails

XXXX
rolandsmithoffic@gmail.com
XXX-XXX-XXXX
I am negotiating with a potential buyer about selling my yacht to them. Your professional assistance is needed in drafting the sale contract.

I will appreciate your response if you can help. Thank you.

Collection Matter Emails

XXXX
enquirieschuoelect@gmail.com
XXX-XXX-XXXX
Good Day,

I am contacting your firm to help us handle a collection matter we believe you are capable to handle such matter, I shall give you the details as soon as you reply to my request.

 

XXXX
jeromeclarksoncontact@gmail.com
XXX-XXX-XXXX
Does your firm handles Litigation Matters.

 

Spam Attorney Referral Services

XXXX
MarkS@legaltvleads.com
XXX-XXX-XXXX
Hi XXXX,

I’m reaching out specifically because you handle personal injury cases. By chance, do you have availability to take on Auto Accidents generated from local TV stations in Philadelphia? We are offering pre-screened auto accident leads that meet the following criteria:

* Injured in a car/truck/motorcycle accident
* Not at fault
* No attorney
* Within the last two years

All calls will be live transferred to your firm. Is this something that interests you?

XXXX
XXX-XXX-XXXX

Spam Emails from Marketing Agencies and SEO Consultants

Selena Camara
selena@easydialinternational.com
8134552017
Hi there! We are responsible for the #LAW short code that the Morgan and Morgan Law firm is using nationwide. I would like to propose to your firm #HURT or a vanity code that would fit your firm. Ask for George or Selena.

 

Mark Matthew
mark@phoenixlawyerapps.com
(630) 592-8201
Greetings,

We at Phoenix Solutions are excited to launch the first of its kind video conferencing solution which enables lawyers to consult clients on their own ‘law firm branded mobile App’. Instead of traveling across town or across the state, lawyers can now depose clients right from their office saving the firm thousands of dollars. Our solution is ideal for clients who undergoing recovery, enabling them to consult the lawyer from the comfort of their home.

How it works?
Step 1 – The staff pre-schedules the client-lawyer video appointment. Both the lawyer and client are immediately notified via text message and email with the details of the appointment. The client and lawyer are also sent reminder notifications prior to the Appointment.
Step 2 – The lawyer and client login via the law firm App and conduct a face-face video meeting.
Step 3 – A detailed report of video call log (daily/weekly/monthly) can be generated anytime.

Benefits of video consultation
A- Saves the firm time and money: We fully understand that every minute of the lawyer is extremely valuable. Our solution offers lawyers the mobility to do a face-face video meeting with clients from any location.
B- Convert prospective clients: First impressions are everything. Using our video conferencing solution for the first meeting will have a greater impact compared to a phone consultation.
C- Increase billable hours: Due to ease of video conferencing, clients are more likely to use this service for minor/short consultations. Resulting in added revenues for the firm.
D- Generate more leads: Offering people ‘a free video consultation’ on your own App will get you more leads.

Other features of our PI App
Accident Site Evidence Collection Kit, Car Dash Cam Recorder, Find Emergency Services, Automatic Client Task Reminder, Pain Journal, Expense Manager, Refer a Friend and many more.

Free App Demo: Please do contact me via email to schedule a free demo of our App.

For more information on our App please visit: phoenixlawyerapps

With over 500 customers and 7+ years experience, we are the leading mobile App development company for law firms in the US market.

To unsubscribe. Please reply to this mail with ‘unsubscribe’.

 

Alan Matthew
alan@lawyermobapps.com
6305928201
Greetings,

Apps Legal is proud to announce the launch our new custom branded mobile for PI Law Firms.

Our PI App is now integrated with the unique ‘Automatic Car Crash Detection System’ (ACCD). Our App automatically detects a car crash using the internal sensors of the user’s smartphone. Once a crash is detected, our App sends a text and email message with the user’s location to their pre selected emergency contacts. This allowing the contacts to send help as soon as possible. A copy of the text message and email is also sent to the law firm. This potential life saving feature is a must for all users.

Other Key App Features
Accident Site Evidence Collection Kit – Helps users accurately collect evidence at the scene of an accident.
Car Dash Cam Recorder – Helps users record their road trip.
Find Emergency Services – Helps users locate nearby emergency services such as hospitals
and tow truck services.
Pain Journal – Helps users record their day to day pain levels in a journal format.
Expense Manager – Helps users record their daily/monthly expenses.
Refer a Friend – Enables users to easily refer your firm to their friends on social media

With over 500 PI firm clients, we are the market leader in developing custom branded Apps for PI firms in the US.

For more information on our App, please visit lawyermobapps.com.

Contact me to schedule a free demo.

To unsubscribe. Please reply to this mail with ‘unsubscribe’.

 

Tracy Jackson
tracywebseomarketing@gmail.com
(235) 689-5545
Re: Website Issues…?

Hello,

My name is Tracy Jackson and I am a Digital Marketing Specialists for a Creative Agency.

I was doing some industry benchmarking for a client of mine when I came across your website.

I noticed a few technical errors which correspond with a drop of website traffic over the last 6-8 months which I thought I would bring to your attention.

After closer inspection it appears your site is lacking in 4 key criteria.

1- Website Speed
2- Link Diversity
3- Domain Authority
4- Competition Comparison

I can send you over the report which shows all of the above and so much more which will help you at least improve your site, its rankings and traffic.

I would love the chance to help as well however; this report will at least give you a gauge on the quality of what I do. If you are interested then please share your requirement and contact details.

Is this the best email to send it to?

Sincerely,
Tracy Jackson
tracywebseomarketing@gmail.com

 

XXXX
webmaster@sagipl.com
XXX-XXX-XXXX
Hello Team, I am XXXX, I’m a Social Media And SEO Specialist with seven years of experience. I have been working in this fields for many years. Quality content in every form drives traffic and underpins social media. Google also promotes websites with quality output and rewards social signals. So what are you waiting for? We can help you achieve your goals for 2017. Here I am sending you some quality sites please have a look: tonybennettlaw.com, jtlaw.net, fitzlawoffice.com. Please contact me with your requirements.

Let’s work! Regards!
XXXX

 

XXX
tom@apricotlaw.com
xxx-xxx-xxxx
XXXX,

Many studies have been done over the last 8 months to determine what causes some law firm websites to naturally climb above others in google. This short video shares the finer points of the research.

We hope you enjoy the analysis: Pennsylvania car accident law firms llevininjuryfirm.com and myinjuryattorney.com

Click here: [link removed]

Tom

Directing Personal Injury Cases
Terry Knight knight.terry103@gmail.com
XXX-XXX-XXXX
Greetings.

At this time, we are getting a lot of personal injury cases in your area, and we currently don’t have a law firm to send them to.

If you’re interested in having more personal injury cases respond back with a “YES” and your best cell phone number.

If you don’t want to be messaged again, respond back with a “NO”.

Truly yours,
Terry Knight
Spark Ads Agency
14311 Biscayne Blvd #2121
North Miami, FL 33161

 

josua w josua.w@cotudigital.info

Hi,

We’d like to run an ad campaign to send you people in and around your area who are looking to hire a lawyer to file a lawsuit for a car accident injury. Hi,

If you’re currently open to investing money in hiring someone run an ad campaign and have room in your budget that you can use for it, may I send you my calendar link for you to schedule a day/time for a call next week so I can explain how we can help?
Thank You!
Joshua.
XXXX
Sixwebsoft.technolgoy@gmail.Com
XXX-XXX-XXXX
Hi, I am XXX from XXXX technology. I would love to do SEO for your website so It can be visible on Google’s first page for maximum keywords. Doing this will help you get better conversions. We do SEO, SMO, PPC, ORM and Content Writing at right prices. Revert back if you need great SEO services from Industry Experts.

Regards –

 

XXXX
andrew@speakeasymarketingcorp.com
XXX-XXX-XXXX
HI,

I do NOT need legal help – I am calling for a different reason. I work for 130 different attorneys throughout the United States, and I have a simple proposition that will benefit your website and ours.

One of my attorney clients would like to place a link from his website to your website, which will elevate you in Google’s eyes and help you get higher up in Google results.

In return, we ask for a link from your website to a different attorney client of ours. No money exchanges hands, the links are not reciprocal, and both parties benefit.

This is NOT a ‘black hat’ technique, or anything that violates Googles’ terms of service. 100% straight up, legitimate, tit for tat.

Are you open to this simple arrangement?

Please reply regardless,

 

XXXX
XXX-XXX-XXXX
alan@ngrwebteam.com
Dear Owner,

I recently spent some time on your website. Based on what I saw, there are a few things you could implement pretty quickly that would help boost your Google rankings, traffic, social media,conversion
and LOCAL SEO.

We are also into website design, development and can redesign your website.

Not sure what your initiatives are in this area, but is this something that’s on your radar?

 

XXXX
Joshuacohen2633@gmail.com
XXX-XXX-XXXX
Hi my name is XXXX, I wanted to speak to you because I invented a software for generating clients for personal injury lawyers and I wanted to give you a 7 DAY FREE TRIAL because I’m sure if you use it for 7 days for free, you will never want to stop using it.

 

XXXX
XXX-XXX-XXXX
Greetings,XXXX  is proud to announce the launch of our new ‘Personal Injury Mobile App’. After having successfully developed the Version 1 of our App for over 300 PI firms, we carried out extensive research, talked to several prominent PI lawyers, understood their real needs and finally created an App that not only helps PI firms in branding and marketing but also simplifies many tasks of their existing clients.

Branding and Marketing Features:
1) Accident Kit
2) Important Personal Injury Resources
3) Find Emergency Services
4) Easy Client Referral via Social Media

Client Management Features:
1) Client Pain Journal
2) Client Task/Calendar Management
3) Client Expense Management

For more information visit our website XXXX

Please contact me to schedule a demo of our App.

 

XXX
akash.digitalexpert@hotmail.com
XXX-XXX-XXXX
Dear Entrepreneur,

Hope everything is fine at your end!

This is XXXX, a digital branding expert by profession. I examined your website and came to know that you may be concerned with gaining new customers and losing less business to your competitors.

Allow me to analyze and figure out the factors that contribute to low Search Engine results and take vital steps to bring more customers and sales.

My complete Analysis will give you clear insights for:

• Why your website rank is behind of your competitors?
• How to get enough Organic Traffic and Sales?
• Strategy to get many customers through Social Media.
• Guaranteed First Page ranking on Search Engines.
• Getting business through Mobile Optimization.

After your confirmation, I would be glad to provide you with further details or Digital Branding Proposal of your website, and then arrange a time to speak with you over the phone or Skype.

Eagerly awaiting for your quick response.

—–

P.S: – This is our marketing strategy to use a Gmail account. Once you reply us back, we will communicate with you through our corporate Email ID.

ZERO-DOWN SEO SERVICES

Not only is this a red flag due since the SEO sales pitch is coming in through an unprompted email, but a ‘zero down payment’ until page 1 rankings are achieved is a shady business practice for an SEO agency as they typically target very low competition keywords that often cannibalize actual phrases and queries that would be more likely to lead to new business.

XXXX
XXX-XXX-XXXX
zeroupfrontfeeseo@gmail.com
Search Engine Optimization
Hello, I was wondering if you would be interested in a free trial of putting your website on page 1 of Google organic results. I will not charge you anything up front and you will ONLY be charged IF I can actually get you on page 1. I want to earn your trust and prove myself before charging anything. I only work with lawyers so let me If you are interested.
XXXX
XXXX@gmail.com

 

Stay safe out there everyone.

 

Trusted Partners

SEO for attorneys
best law firm SEO company
seo for law firms
lawyer seo
seo for lawyers