Bad Cheque Scam: What To Do If You Suspect a New Client May Be a Scamster

If you suspect a new client may be a bad cheque scamster, see:

1. Bad cheque scam (including list of ruses);
2. Names and documents;
3. Common characteristics and red flags;
4. Steps to manage the risk;
5. Report actual or possible trust fund shortages.

If you suspect another social engineering scam, see:

1. Other social engineering scams (includes descriptions of the scams and steps to manage the risk)
2. Report actual or possible trust fund shortages

If you’ve been targeted by a fraud, report any new potential scams and fraudsters to Practice Advisor Barbara Buchanan, QC (bbuchanan@lsbc.org or 604.697.5816). Reporting allows the Law Society to notify the profession, as appropriate, and update the list of names and documents in relation to the bad cheque scam.

If you would like confidential practice advice or help in determining if a new matter may be a potential bad cheque or other social engineering scam and whether you may report it to the police or your bank, please contact Practice Advisor Barbara Buchanan, QC (bbuchanan@lsbc.org or 604.697.5816). 

In the bad cheque scam, the purported client is not truly seeking your advice or assistance. Rather, a scamster is assuming an identity to perpetrate a fraud and dupe you, exposing you to financial loss.  If you are satisfied that:

• a purported client has assumed a false identity to perpetrate a fraud,
• the client has perpetrated the fraud, and
• you have been duped into assisting with the fraud,
• you may disclose that information to the police or your bank without a court order.