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Summary: Most people are aware of the scams out there, but even those expected to be experts on such things can get caught in the twist of manipulation and deceit from time to time.
Even experts can be tricked by the pros. A Little Rock, Arkansas law firm fall victim to the popular wire transfer scheme. Watts Donovan & Tilley P.A. transferred nearly $100,000 to an account before verifying the deposited amount or transfer location.
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WDT took on a client in 2014 from London, England that identified himself as Bernard Stillwell. Stillwell claimed to be an architect based in London that needed the firm to collect professional fees that were owed to him by individuals in Arkansas. Little did WDT know but they were entering into an elaborate forgery scheme.
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The firm received a payment for $97,588 in the form of a cashier’s check from an alleged debtor of Stillwell. They deposited the check into their account and informed Stillwell that they received the payment. Stillwell then provided instructions of where to wire the money. However, the firm’s bank came back after the money had been wired to inform them that the cashier’s check was a forgery. They were liable for the transferred amount.
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WDT filed a claim with their insurance company but they denied the claim. Now the firm has filed a lawsuit to try and recover the lost funds plus damages. The insurance carrier, Valley Forge Insurance Co. of Chicago has listed nearly twelve reasons that the lawsuit should be dismissed.
Source: http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/109587/little-rock-law-firm-loses-money-in-forgery-scam
Photo: brucebnews.com
