Protect Yourself Against the Latest Email Scam Targeting Lawyers

A sophisticated email scam is making the rounds targeting attorneys across Texas and the United States. If you practice law, you need to know about this threat — because it’s convincing, it’s targeted, and it’s costing legal professionals thousands of dollars.

How the Scam Works

The attack typically follows this pattern: an email arrives appearing to be from a prospective client seeking legal representation. The email is well-written, professional, and references a plausible legal matter — often a contract dispute, debt collection, or family law issue. The “client” provides detailed background information that seems legitimate.

The prospective client quickly agrees to retain your services and sends a large check — sometimes $20,000-$100,000 or more — to cover your retainer and other fees. The check appears to clear in your account. The client then contacts you urgently requesting that you wire a portion of the funds to a third party (an opposing party, a settlement fund, or an overseas account).

Here’s the trap: the original check was fraudulent. When it eventually bounces days or weeks later, you’ve already wired the funds — and you’re on the hook for the full amount.

Warning Signs of This Scam

• The initial contact comes unsolicited via email with no referral source
• The matter seems straightforward but involves large sums of money
• The client is located overseas or in a different state with no obvious connection to your jurisdiction
• The client agrees to your terms quickly without negotiation
• The client sends payment before you’ve even completed an engagement letter
• There’s pressure to wire funds quickly, often with an “urgent” deadline

How to Protect Yourself

Verify before you trust: Research prospective clients before agreeing to represent them. Search their name, company, and the details of their matter. Ask for identification and verify contact information independently.

Wait for checks to fully clear: A check appearing in your account balance does not mean it has cleared. Fraudulent checks can take 2-3 weeks to be identified. Wait for your bank to confirm full clearance before disbursing any funds.

Be suspicious of wire requests: Legitimate clients rarely need you to immediately wire funds to third parties. Any request to forward funds — especially internationally — should trigger heightened scrutiny.

Secure your email: These scammers target attorneys specifically because they handle large client funds. Proper email security with anti-phishing filters and DMARC authentication can help identify spoofed emails before they reach your inbox.

If you’ve received an email matching this description, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov and your state bar’s ethics hotline. safemode IT can also help law firms implement email security measures that reduce exposure to these targeted attacks. Contact us to protect your practice.