Thursday, October 6, 2016

Coming in on Avvo Lines

I want to inquire if your firm handles purchase agreements. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice. I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state. They agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw out a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction. I will send you details about the potential buyer for your conflict check when you are ready to move forward. Contact me at ..... Nathandyer@ijmcorp.com Regards, Nathan Dyer

83 comments:

  1. I am an attorney in Georgia, and received an almost identical email in late September saying:

    We currently have a buyer within your area and we need you as an Attorney to help us draft purchase and sales agreement for our firm (Tulip Oil) Please let me know if you can handle this but if not, a referral will be greatly appreciated.

    Imad Mohsen
    Chief operations Officer and
    CEO of Tulip Oil Netherlands B.V.
    Alexanderstraat 18
    2514 JM The Hague
    The Netherlands


    A follow-up email from the scammer said:

    Thanks for your response and I am looking forward working with you.We have been in talks with a buyer in your state about the sale of an oil rig, we have made some progress in price agreement. We need an attorney that would draft a purchase and sales agreement for this transaction at this moment. Please find our buyer's information below for your conflict check.

    Calhoun Pump Sales Inc
    439 Pinhook Road Se
    Fairmount, GA 30139

    I also attached details of the oil rig equipment for your review and I would like to know your rate and your retainer fee. Please send to me your engagement letter if our buyer clears your conflict check

    Imad Mohsen
    Chief operations Officer
    Tulip Oil Netherlands B.V.
    Alexanderstraat 18
    2514 JM The Hague
    The Netherlands
    Direct Line: +31208086961

    When I responded saying that none of the purchase funds would be handled through my escrow account, I didn't receive any further emails. Also, I contacted "Calhoun Pump Sales," and they confirmed that this was a scam. ATTORNEY BEWARE

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saw this scam in September of 2018 - email purportedly from Murat Koedanetov with Arkoil in Rotterdam and rig located in Fort Worth. Just got another one today - email purportedly from Rainier Verhulst at Seafox Operations in Zuidtoren and rig located in Chattanooga. In both instances selling the same land based drilling rig.

      Delete
  2. Hello Counsel, I want to inquire if your firm handles purchase agreements. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice. I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state. They agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw out a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction. I will send you details about the potential buyer for your conflict check when you are ready to move forward. Kindly get back to me on my E-mail: phillipdyer@ijmcorp.com Regards, Phillip Wilshire

    ReplyDelete
  3. I want to inquire if your firm handles purchase agreements. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice. I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state. They agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw out a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction.

    EMAIL

    Thomasdyer@ijmcorp.com

    NAME

    Thomas Dyer

    STATE

    NY

    ReplyDelete
  4. We received a very similar email from "Thomas Dyer" of "IGM construction" last week asking for help with a PS for an oil rig sale in "our jurisdiction." Thank you to the other posters who called this scam out.

    ReplyDelete

  5. Find attached details of the equipment and below the company name for your conflict check:
    Clifford Well Drilling
    65 Blue Rock Road
    South Yarmouth, MA 02664
    Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate so we can start proceeding with this transaction. If you wish to discuss further let me know so we can schedule for a telephone conference. I await your prompt response.
    Regards,
    Thomas Dyer
    IJM Construction
    512-650-2584
    USA Address:202 Canyon Rim Dr Barton Creek, Austin, TX 78746

    ReplyDelete
  6. Original inquiry from "Thomas Dyer" of "IJM Corp." sometimes called "IJM Construction":

    I want to inquire if your firm handles purchase agreements. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice. I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state. They agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw out a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am an attorney in Texas, and received a virtually identical message from a "Michael Dyer" of "IJM Construction", followed by this one:

    Hi XXXXXX,

    Find attached the company name for your conflict check:

    POLLOCK WATER WELL DRILLING & SERVICE
    2910 HWY 67 NORTH
    GLEN ROSE, TX 76043

    Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate so we can start proceeding with this transaction. If you wish to discuss further let me know so we can schedule for a telephone conference. I await your prompt response.

    Regards,

    Michael Dyer
    IJM Construction
    USA Address:202 Canyon Rim Dr Barton Creek, Austin, TX 78746
    Tel:+1-512-650-2584

    The same idiot signed another email as "Michael Spencer".

    ReplyDelete
  8. I received a similar one. When I looked up the company, even though they have a website, it definitely seemed fishy. And then I found this exchange on Avvo about other lawyers in various states hearing from the same people. What I am trying to figure out though is - what is the scam? In other words, what are they trying to get from us? In a follow up email the guy said that the buyer would be providing that sales document and that he wanted us to review it. So I really don't understand what the scam is, what they are trying to achieve. Anyone know? I have heard of scams involving lawyers as targets, but those are where these is a purported legal dispute or a collection matter, and the lawyer will be getting a contingency fee and the fraudster tricks the lawyer into sending them money. I have a call in to my Avvo rep right now to report this and see if she has any additional information.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The way the scam plays out is that the "client" will have someone pretend to be the buyer in a P&S; the buyer then wires a fraudulent check to the client's attorney for the proceeds of the bogus sale, to be held in the lawyer's IOLTA. The lawyer is then told by the "client" to deduct his attorney fee's from the wired check, and then send the remaining funds out to the client. Usually the fraudulent check is a certified check that looks totally legit and which the bank initially (emphasis on "initially")clears, but later recalls. Most states allow banks to recall funds from a check that later bounces for up to a certain out of time (where I am, it's 30 days from the date the check is cashed). So by the time the bank realizes the error and recalls the funds, your "client" and the buyer are nowhere to be found and you are left to cover the massive hit.

      Delete
  9. I did a little more digging and I think this article explains how the scam works: http://blog.texasbar.com/2015/02/articles/news/new-scam-targeting-attorneys/

    ReplyDelete
  10. I got one too from Thomas Dyer. FYI.

    ReplyDelete
  11. We got one from Michael Spencer

    ReplyDelete
  12. Just got the same email. Thank you for this thread, guys! You saved me a lot of wasted time and possibly money.

    "I want to inquire if you handle purchase agreements. I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state and they agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction. Please reply directly to my email (david@enviroequipsalesandrentals.com) if you are interested. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice. Regards, David Spencer"

    ReplyDelete
  13. Our firm experienced the same scam (identical emails) from "Michael Spencer"

    ReplyDelete
  14. From:
    "Michael Jones"
    Date: Sun, Feb 19, 2017 7:20 pm
    To:
    I want to inquire if your firm handles purchase agreements. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice.

    I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state. They agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw out a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction.

    I will send you details about the potential buyer for your conflict check when you are ready to move forward. I await your prompt response

    Regards,

    Michael Jones

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ditto, still floating around out there:

    From: Michael Jones [mailto:wb333606@gmail.com]
    Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 5:20 PM
    Subject: purchase agreements

    I want to inquire if your firm handles purchase agreements. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice.

    I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state. They agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw out a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction.


    I will send you details about the potential buyer for your conflict check when you are ready to move forward. I await your prompt response


    Regards,

    Michael Jones

    ReplyDelete
  16. Just got the same one, reading:

    "I want to inquire if you handle purchase agreements. I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state and they agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction. Please reply directly to my email (william@sunrayglobalservicessarl.com) if you are interested. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice. Regards, William Smith"

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have received three of these in the past month. One purportedly from Michael Lee, one from Michael Jones and one from William Smith.

    1.) Hello Counsel, I want to inquire if your firm handles purchase agreements. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice. I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state. They agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw out a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction. I will send you details about the potential buyer for your conflict check when you are ready to move forward. My private email is Michaellee@jdrillingcompany.com Regards, Michael Lee

    2.) On 2/23/17 I receive the following:

    I want to inquire if you handle purchase agreements. I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state and they agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction. Please reply directly to my email (william@sunrayglobalservicessarl.com) if you are interested. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice. Regards, William Smith


    Then, on 3/4/17 I received the following:

    I want to inquire if you handle purchase agreements. I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state and they agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice. Send your response to my email directly. michaeljones@sunrayglobalservice.com Regards, Michael Jones

    ReplyDelete
  18. MC - Dallas attorney.
    I have received two separate emails very similar:

    "I am in the process of purchasing construction equipment in your State and I require an escrow agent, Advise if you can provide escrow service for this purchase. .Let me know if this is within your service capacity and I would send to you a copy of the purchase invoice and escrow instruction for your review. Your quick response will be appreciated. David Feeney Daf Inc 120 Grove St Dover, NH 03820 had4f@mail.com"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We just received a very similar submission to our firm website. Must be a scam!

      Delete
    2. We've received similar emails from Mr. Feeny. Scam!

      Delete
    3. Just received the same email also from "David Feeney" via our firm website. Email is different, and IP address tracks to St. Louis, Missouri. Reads:

      Subject: ESCROW SERVICES

      Message: I am in the process of purchasing construction equipment in your State and I require an escrow agent, Advise if you can provide escrow service for this purchase.
      Let me know if this is within your service capacity and I would send to you a copy of the purchase invoice and escrow instruction for your review.
      Your quick response will be appreciated.

      Delete
    4. Received today. This is absolutely a scam.

      Delete
    5. I recently received one from Feeney as well. I live and practice in FL. How did you guys realize this was a 'scam'?

      Delete
  19. I received the below email this morning:

    Dear Counsel

    We currently have a buyer within your area and we need you as an Attorney to help us draft purchase and sales agreement for our firm (Woltman Piling & Drilling Rigs) Please let me know if you can handle this but if not, a referral will be greatly appreciated.

    Erik Hommelberg
    Senior Sales Manager
    Woltman Piling & Drilling Rigs
    Everdenberg 17, 4902 TT, Oosterhout,
    The Netherlands

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I received the identical email this morning.

      Delete
  20. To: Wendy D. Calvert
    From: frank
    I want to inquire if you handle purchase agreements. I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state and they agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice. Send your response to my email directly. frank.edward@sunrayglobalservicess.com Regards, Frank Edward

    ReplyDelete
  21. I got one from an ALL SEA GROUP S.A with a fishy email address for an oil rig P&S. Pretty obvious scam.

    ReplyDelete
  22. from: Mick Liney
    reply-to: mickliney4@gmail.com
    date: Tue, Apr 18, 2017 at 11:42 PM
    subject: Can you draft a purchase and Sales agreement at the moment

    --
    Dear Counsel ,

    We are a Europe based Marine Construction firm and we need an attorney
    to assist us in drafting a purchase and Sales agreement with a buyer
    in your area. Are you able to take this matter? If not, a referral
    will be appreciated. Thank you

    Regards,
    Mick Liney CEO
    ML (UK) ltd
    7 Kettering Terrace, Mile End,
    Portsmouth, Hampshire PO2 7QH
    http://www.mluk.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  23. There is a new version of this going around. Look carefully at the e-mail address. The true e-mail does NOT have a dash between "woltman" and "rigs". This is the giveaway. BEWARE

    ReplyDelete
  24. I received the same email and went so far as to receive a 395k cashiers check which is currently sitting in my bank account. It cleared within 24 hours. They asked me to send 260k of that money to another "inspection" company based in Malaysia. I declined to do so without further paper work. The check is from a Robert Wilson, City bank. (Robertpacificbrokers@dr.com) Here is part of our exchange:

    frank.edward@sunrayglobalservicess.com

    Dear

    Find attached the company name for your conflict check:

    Flatt's Electric LLC‎.
    1526 90th St, Monmouth, IL 61462

    Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate so we can start
    proceeding with this transaction. If you wish to discuss further let me
    know so we can schedule for a telephone conference. I await your prompt
    response.

    Regards,

    Phillip Norman
    Sunray Global Services
    USA Office: One Shell Plaza, 910 Louisiana St,suite 2905 Houston, TX 77002
    Tel: + 512-354-7627


    To: Daliah Saper
    From: EdwardFrank
    I want to inquire if you handle purchase agreements. I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state and they agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice. Send your response to my email directly.edwardfrank6547@gmail.com Regards, Edward Frank

    Find attached the company name for your conflict check:

    Kickapoo Drilling Company LLC
    405 W Main St, Downs, IL 61736

    Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate so we can start
    proceeding with this transaction. If you wish to discuss further let me
    know so we can schedule for a telephone conference. I await your prompt
    response.

    Regards,

    Frank Edward
    Sunray Global Services
    USA Office: One Shell Plaza, 910 Louisiana St,suite 2905 Houston, TX 77002
    Tel: + 512-354-7627

    Find attached the signed retainer agreement. I will be available for a telephone conference tomorrow morning between 9 AM-2:30 PM central time if that works for you. I have discussed with the broker for the buyer that before moving forward I will need an official Letter of intent and offer from the buyer which should be sent directly to my attorney, I will explain further about this when we speak. Let me know what time works for you so I can mark it on my calender.

    Regards,

    Frank Edward

    ReplyDelete
  25. I received the same email and went so far as to receive a 395k cashiers check which is currently sitting in my bank account. It cleared within 24 hours. They asked me to send 260k of that money to another "inspection" company based in Malaysia. I declined to do so without further paper work. The check is from a Robert Wilson, City bank. (Robertpacificbrokers@dr.com) Here is part of our exchange:

    frank.edward@sunrayglobalservicess.com

    Dear

    Find attached the company name for your conflict check:

    Flatt's Electric LLC‎.
    1526 90th St, Monmouth, IL 61462

    Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate so we can start
    proceeding with this transaction. If you wish to discuss further let me
    know so we can schedule for a telephone conference. I await your prompt
    response.

    Regards,

    Phillip Norman
    Sunray Global Services
    USA Office: One Shell Plaza, 910 Louisiana St,suite 2905 Houston, TX 77002
    Tel: + 512-354-7627


    To:
    From: EdwardFrank
    I want to inquire if you handle purchase agreements. I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state and they agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice. Send your response to my email directly.edwardfrank6547@gmail.com Regards, Edward Frank

    Find attached the company name for your conflict check:

    Kickapoo Drilling Company LLC
    405 W Main St, Downs, IL 61736

    Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate so we can start
    proceeding with this transaction. If you wish to discuss further let me
    know so we can schedule for a telephone conference. I await your prompt
    response.

    Regards,

    Frank Edward
    Sunray Global Services
    USA Office: One Shell Plaza, 910 Louisiana St,suite 2905 Houston, TX 77002
    Tel: + 512-354-7627

    Find attached the signed retainer agreement. I will be available for a telephone conference tomorrow morning between 9 AM-2:30 PM central time if that works for you. I have discussed with the broker for the buyer that before moving forward I will need an official Letter of intent and offer from the buyer which should be sent directly to my attorney, I will explain further about this when we speak. Let me know what time works for you so I can mark it on my calender.

    Regards,

    Frank Edward

    ReplyDelete
  26. Here is the inspection company they wanted me to wire funds to:

    Find attached the requested wire instruction for the inspection fees. Have a great day.

    Thanks,

    Michael Baker
    Operations Manager
    ADC ASIA PACIFIC
    SUITE 26.1, LEVEL 26, MENARA IMC,
    8 JALAN SULTAN ISMAIL 50250 KUALA LUMPUR,
    MALAYSIA

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hello Counsel,





    I want to inquire if your firm handles purchase agreements. A referral will be helpful if this is not your area of practice.



    I received a similar solicitation on March 22, 2017 from an alleged Jame Norman:

    I am in the process of selling a drilling rig to a company in your state. They agreed for us to employ a lawyer that will draw out a purchase contract which will protect my interest in this transaction.








    I will send you details about the potential buyer for your conflict check when you are ready to move forward. My private email is jamenorman@sunrayglobalservices.com








    Regards,





    Jame Norman

    ReplyDelete
  28. Similar email "via Avvo" received here. Smelled like a scam when the sender sent an engagement agreement filled out in the individual name of the sender instead of the company the sender purported to work for. Should have googled the request before I wasted all the time.

    ReplyDelete
  29. In addition to the Oil Rig scam, we have received inquiries to assist with the purchase and sale of a private jet, dredger and just yesterday a caterpillar. The emails are becoming more sophisticated - they used information from a legitimate sales advertisement regarding the Jet, with one digit off on the tail number; they opened scam gmail accounts for the company's owner.

    They provide a contract - if you google the name of the companies they are legitimate, but if you call them directly they will tell you they are being scammed. The caterpillar sales company listed on the contract, WG Construction out of Virginia posted a scam alert on their website to alert the public.

    Emails are coming through our website and also going directly to our legal assistants addressing them by name. (Even when their first names are not part of the email address.) Beware!

    ReplyDelete
  30. ATTORNEY NEEDED IN DRAFTING A PURCHASE AND SALES AGREEMENT



    Hello xxxxxxxxx,

    We are an Europe based Oil field Construction firm contractors in need of an attorney to assist us in drafting a Purchase and Sales agreement. We have a buyer in your area who is interested in a purchase.

    Are you able to take this matter? If not, a referral will be appreciated

    Regards,

    Henk-Jan Kolthof
    Contractor (International Trade)
    CAPE Holland
    Romhof 5
    9411 SB Beilen
    The Netherlands

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can confirm that there is a scam. I do not need a purchase and sales agreement, and have not send any e-mails

      Delete
    2. Just got the same email with a different address in the Netherlands today.

      Delete
    3. Just got the same email today supposedly from Henk-Jan Kolthof with a different company and address in the Netherlands.

      Delete
  31. Received this through Avvo on 8-15-17:

    Hello Attorney,
    Is drafting contract your area of practice? I have a buyer for my drilling rig who is located in your state. I need to retain a lawyer that will draft a purchase agreement before they can proceed with the purchase. I look forward to your kind response.
    My private email is andrew@spcdrilling.com
    Best Regards,
    Andrew Jones

    ReplyDelete
  32. Here's the note I got--thank you all!
    ------

    Here is the information of the buyer for your conflict check:

    WGL Energy Systems
    6862 Elm St # 300, McLean, VA 22101

    I presume for this kind of case I will prefer to be charged on an hourly basis. Send me your retainer agreement when you get a chance, I will schedule for a telephone conference to discuss more about this transaction after reviewing your engagment letter. If you wish to discuss before moving forward let me know. I will be available for a conference call on Monday afternoon. I hope to hear from you soon.

    Regards,

    Nolan Spencer.
    CFO
    SPC Drilling Company
    USA Office: 801 Cherry St, Ste 2502, Fort Worth, TX 76102,
    Tel: 817-363-4190

    On Aug 21, 2017, at 8:27 AM, Nolan Spencer wrote:
    Hello,

    I got your email from the online bar directory.

    I need you to help me draft a purchase agreement. I have a buyer for my drilling rig who is located in your state, they need me to retain a lawyer that will draft a purchase agreement that will bind with the laws of your state before we can move forward with the purchase. If you do not specialize in this area, kindly send me a referral.

    Many Thanks,
    Nolan Spencer.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank you all! Here's the email chain I got.
    -----
    Here is the information of the buyer for your conflict check:

    WGL Energy Systems
    6862 Elm St # 300, McLean, VA 22101

    I presume for this kind of case I will prefer to be charged on an hourly basis. Send me your retainer agreement when you get a chance, I will schedule for a telephone conference to discuss more about this transaction after reviewing your engagment letter. If you wish to discuss before moving forward let me know. I will be available for a conference call on Monday afternoon. I hope to hear from you soon.

    Regards,

    Nolan Spencer.
    CFO
    SPC Drilling Company
    USA Office: 801 Cherry St, Ste 2502, Fort Worth, TX 76102,
    Tel: 817-363-4190
    ------
    On Aug 21, 2017, at 8:27 AM, Nolan Spencer wrote:
    Hello,

    I got your email from the online bar directory.

    I need you to help me draft a purchase agreement. I have a buyer for my drilling rig who is located in your state, they need me to retain a lawyer that will draft a purchase agreement that will bind with the laws of your state before we can move forward with the purchase. If you do not specialize in this area, kindly send me a referral.

    Many Thanks,
    Nolan Spencer.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Name
    David Feeney
    Email
    df68@usa.com

    Phone
    (603) 873-0099
    Please give us an idea what this is about.
    • Business Law
    How can we be of assistance?
    I am in the process of purchasing construction equipment in your State and I require an escrow agent, Advise if you can provide escrow service for this purchase.
    Let me know if this is within your service capacity and I would send to you a copy of the purchase invoice and escrow instruction for your review.
    Your quick response will be appreciated.

    David Feeney
    Daf Inc.
    120 Grove St,
    Dover, NH 03820

    ReplyDelete
  35. Received 26 Aug., from "Jason Grant" at "SPC Drilling" and tied to the spcdrilling.com domain. Oddly, that's owned by Vistaprint.

    Hello Attorney,

    Please, do you draft contract? I have a buyer for my drilling rig who is located in your state. I need to retain a lawyer that will draft a purchase agreement before they can proceed with the purchase. I look forward to your kind response.

    Best Regards,

    Jason Grant


    Contact Information
    Name: Jason Grant Contact Pref: Not Specified
    Address: US

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am a Wyoming attorney. I received an e-mail chain, nearly identical to T Goody's post, on August 22, 2017.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'm a lawyer in Dallas and I think we have the same one - it's for the sale of some kind of farm equipment - real company. I'm going to call the company and see...they signed our retainer agreement and want to wire us the money, and we should deduct our fees and send it on.

    ReplyDelete
  38. It helps when they use a gmail account.

    Here is the information of the buyer for your conflict check:

    Ellora Energy LLC
    4410 Arapahoe Ave # 100, Boulder, CO 80303

    I presume for this kind of case i will prefer to be charged on an hourly basis. Send me your retainer agreement when you are done with the conflict check,i will schedule for a telephone conference upon review of the retainer agreement to discuss more about this transaction. I hope to hear from you soon.

    ----------------
    I need you to help me draft a purchase agreement. I have a buyer for my drilling rig who is located in your state, they need me to retain a lawyer that will draft a purchase agreement that will bind with the laws of your state before we can move forward with the purchase. If you do not specialize in this area, kindly send me a referral.

    Many Thanks,
    Sean Walters
    CFO
    SPC Drilling Company
    USA Office: 801 Cherry St, Ste 2502, Fort Worth, TX 76102,
    Tel: 817-363-4190

    ReplyDelete
  39. The scam continues. I received a nearly-identical message today (Nord Stream Offshore), and last week, someone called my office & left a VM asking for the same thing. Message:

    Is drafting contract your area of practice? I have a buyer for my drilling rig who is located in your state. They need me to retain a lawyer that will draft a purchase agreement before they can proceed with the purchase. I look forward to your kind response.

    My private email is Thomas@nordstreamoffshore.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I received a message from the same email address, but they needed a lease agreement for a vessel. Here is the message I received:

      To: Cheryl Lynn Virta
      From: Thomas
      Good Day Attorney, I am contacting you to find out if you or any of your partners can help with drafting a Lease agreement. I have a potential customer for a vessel transaction and I need a lawyer in their state to draw up a lease terms before we can finalize the deal. Let me know if this is something you can handle, I will send you more details once I hear back from you. My direct email is Thomas@nordstreamoffshore.com to proceed. Regards, Thomas Jones

      Delete
    2. I also received a message from the identical email address, but it involved a lease agreement for a vessel. Here it is:

      To: Cheryl Lynn Virta
      From: Thomas
      Good Day Attorney, I am contacting you to find out if you or any of your partners can help with drafting a Lease agreement. I have a potential customer for a vessel transaction and I need a lawyer in their state to draw up a lease terms before we can finalize the deal. Let me know if this is something you can handle, I will send you more details once I hear back from you. My direct email is Thomas@nordstreamoffshore.com to proceed. Regards, Thomas Jones

      Delete
  40. Rceeived this today:

    Please, I need an attorney to draft a purchase agreement for my drilling rig. The buyer for my drilling rig is located in your state. I thank you in advance and look forward to hearing from you soon.


    Regards,

    Patrick Wallace

    ReplyDelete
  41. I also received a similar inquiry through AVVO and initial email as follows (also from Jason Grant at SPC Drilling)
    Here is the information of the buyer for your conflict check:
    TECHNICAL DRILLING SERVICES
    2 LAKESHORE DR EXT
    STERLING, MA 01564
    I presume for this kind of case it will be better to charge on an hourly
    basis. Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate, I will
    schedule for a telephone conference to discuss more about this transaction
    after reviewing your terms of representation. If you wish to discuss
    before moving forward let me know a date and time for a telephone
    conference so I can mark it on my calendar. I hope to hear from you soon.
    Regards,
    Jason Grant
    Spc Drilling Co Ltd
    USA Office: 777 Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
    Tel: 817- 363- 4190


    I wrote to AVVO but they have not issued any communications to attorneys about this despite the fact that all initial contacts seem to be through their site

    ReplyDelete
  42. The scam continues now is Japan citizen

    I want to inquire if your firm handles Purchase transactions and agreements (Base Heavy construction equipment sale). A referral will be welcomed if this is not your area of practice and also provide me with your direct contact details and time of availability for more briefing.

    Regards
    Takao Fujishiro

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'm a California attorney. Received spam today 10/18/17 from "Thomas Jones of Nordsteamoffshore.com. At least they're getting smarter about paying to register actual domain names. I treat all form letter like requests for a purchase agreement--through Avvo or otherwise (although most appear via Avvo)--as a scam.

    "Good Day Attorney,



    I am contacting you to find out if you or any of your

    partners can help with drafting a purchase agreement.



    I have a potential customer for a vessel transaction

    and I need a lawyer in their state to draw up sale

    terms before we can finalize the deal.



    Let me know if it this is something you can handle, I will

    send you more details once I hear back from you. Email me directly at Thomas@nordstreamoffshore.com to proceed.



    Regards,



    Thomas Jones"

    10/18/2017 10:13 AM

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm in McKinney TX (outside of Dallas) and got this same email this morning:

      Good Day Attorney, I am contacting you to find out if you or any of your partners can help with drafting a Lease agreement. I have a potential customer for a vessel transaction and I need a lawyer in your state to draw up a lease terms before we can finalize the deal. Let me know if it this is something you can handle, I will send you more details once I hear back from you. Email me directly at Thomas@nordstreamoffshore.com to proceed. Regards, Thomas Jones

      Delete
  44. Houston, Texas - currently corresponding with thomas@nordstreamoffshore.com regarding a purchase agreement.
    I responded that funds will not be handled through my escrow account.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Got a message on Avvo from
    thomas@nordstreamoffshore.com

    regarding a purchase agreement.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Received today:
    Hello XXXX,

    I got your email from the online bar directory.

    I need you to help me draft a purchase agreement. I have a buyer for my drilling rig who is located in your state, they need me to retain a lawyer that will draft the purchase agreement that will bind with the laws of your state before we can move forward with the purchase. If you do not specialize in this area, kindly send me a referral.



    Regards,
    David Ethan.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Same scam. "jordan tyler"


    Good Day Attorney, Is drafting contract your area of practice? I have a buyer for my drilling rig who is located in your state. They need me to retain a lawyer that will draft a purchase agreement before they can proceed with the purchase. I look forward to your kind response. My private email is jtyler@winsonoiltradelogistics.com Best Regards, Jordan Tyler

    ReplyDelete
  48. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Find below a little outline about the rig sale.

    It is going to be a one time cash sale. The rig is down here in Fargo, the buyer will be responsible for picking up the rig once payment is received.

    The price is set at $4.3 million but we are opened to reasonable offers.

    The buyer wants my attorney to draft the Purchase agreement. The rig has manufacturers warranty that will cover it until 2020. There is no lien or debt on the rig.The Closing date depends on the buyer. Find below the
    information of buyer for your conflict check:

    BAYWATER DRILLING,INC
    668 S. HOLLYWOOD RD
    HOUMA, LA 70360

    I presume for this kind of representation it will be better to charge on an hourly basis. Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate, I will

    Find below a little outline about the rig sale.

    It is going to be a one time cash sale. The rig is down here in Fargo, the buyer will be responsible for picking up the rig once payment is received.

    The price is set at $4.3 million but we are opened to reasonable offers.

    The buyer wants my attorney to draft the Purchase agreement. The rig has manufacturers warranty that will cover it until 2020. There is no lien or debt on the rig.The Closing date depends on the buyer. Find below the
    information of buyer for your conflict check:

    LANDINO DRILLING CO
    P O BOX 419
    DAVENPORT, CA 95017

    I presume for this kind of representation it will be better to charge on an hourly basis. Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate.
    I will schedule for a telephone conference to discuss further after reviewing your terms of representation and also explain the sale procedure.
    If you wish to discuss before moving forward I will still advise that you send me your retainer agreement so I can at least know the terms I will be working with.I will definitely schedule for a phone conference to discuss further and answer any questions that may be of concern to you. I will wait to hear from you. Have a wonderful day.

    Regards,

    Jordan Tyler

    CEO

    Winson Oil Trading Ltd
    215-118 Broadway, Fargo, ND 58102

    ReplyDelete
  50. I received an identical message on November 7, 2017, originating through Avvo:

    Find below a little outline about the rig sale.

    It is going to be a one time cash sale. The rig is down here in Fargo, the buyer will be responsible for picking up the rig once payment is received.

    The price is set at $4.3 million but we are opened to reasonable offers.

    The buyer wants my attorney to draft the Purchase agreement, The rig has manufacturers warranty that will cover it until 2020. There is no lien or debt on the rig.The Closing date depends on the buyer. Find below the
    information of buyer for your conflict check:


    Borena Petro Inc
    2300 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202

    I presume for this kind of representation it will be better to charge on an hourly basis. Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate, I will schedule for a telephone conference to discuss further after reviewing your terms of representation and also explain the sale procedure. If you wish to discuss before moving forward I will still advise that you send me your retainer agreement so I can at least know the terms I will be working with.I will definitely schedule for a phone conference to discuss further and answer any questions that may be of concern to you. I will waiting to hear from you. Have a wonderful day.



    Regards,

    Joseph Conrad
    CEO
    Winson Oil Trade Logistics
    701-289-3087
    215-118 Broadway, Fargo, ND 58102

    ReplyDelete
  51. I received the very same communication from "Joseph Conrad" through UpCounsel. Spoke to him on the phone and received several emails. The original information checked out for the most part but after receiving the offer from the broker (including the check) the scam started to become apparent. Thanks for all the posts! At least I'm not alone.

    ReplyDelete
  52. This was sent directly to me and copied to another attorney I know. She hasn't gotten back to me about it so I don't know why she was copied. The fun part about this is that I called his number and there was no answer and when I looked up the office address, it is an empty building for rent. They also don't know how to properly write their own business name.



    Find below a little outline about the rig sale.

    It is going to be a one time cash sale. The rig is down here in Fargo, the buyer will be responsible for picking up the rig once payment is received.

    The price is set at $4.6 million but we are opened to reasonable offers.

    The buyer wants my attorney to draft the Purchase agreement. The rig has manufacturers warranty that will cover it until 2020. There is no lien or debt on the rig.The Closing date depends on the buyer. Find below the information of buyer for your conflict check:

    VISION DIRECTIONAL DRILLING, INC
    3250 S ANTHONY CT
    BURLINGTON, NC 27215

    I presume for this kind of representation it will be better to charge on an hourly basis. Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate.

    I will schedule for a telephone conference to discuss further after reviewing your terms of representation and also explain the sale procedure. If you wish to discuss before moving forward I will still advise that you send me your retainer agreement so I can at least know the terms I will be working with.I will definitely schedule for a phone conference to discuss further and answer any questions that may be of concern to you. I will wait to hear from you. Have a wonderful day.

    Regards,
    Thomas Jones
    CEO
    Nord Streamoffshore Services
    215-118 Broadway, Fargo, ND 58102
    701-289-3087

    ReplyDelete
  53. Received the following on November 7th via Avvo

    Find below a little outline about the rig sale.

    It is going to be a one time cash sale. The rig is down here in Fargo, the buyer will be responsible for picking up the rig once payment is received.

    The price is set at $4.3 million but we are opened to reasonable offers.

    The buyer wants my attorney to draft the Purchase agreement, The rig has manufacturers warranty that will cover it until 2020. There is no lien or debt on the rig.The Closing date depends on the buyer. Find below the
    information of buyer for your conflict check:


    Cardinal USA Fuel Oil
    4985 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131

    I presume for this kind of representation it will be better to charge on an hourly basis. Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate, I will schedule for a telephone conference to discuss further after reviewing your terms of representation and also explain the sale procedure. If you wish to discuss before moving forward I will still advise that you send me your retainer agreement so I can at least know the terms I will be working with.I will definitely schedule for a phone conference to discuss further and answer any questions that may be of concern to you. I will waiting to hear from you. Have a wonderful day.



    Regards,

    Joseph Conrad
    CEO
    Winson Oil Trade Logistics
    701-289-3087
    215-118 Broadway, Fargo, ND 58102


    Sent a check for $390,000 which I deposited into my IOLTA account. Thank goodness BoA placed a hold and once I called to follow up I received a return call that they suspected that this was a scam.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I got your email from the online bar directory.

    I need you to help me draft a purchase agreement. I have a buyer for my drilling rig who is located in your state, they need me to retain a lawyer that will draft the purchase agreement that will bind with the laws of your state before we can move forward with the purchase. If you do not specialize in this area, kindly send me a referral.

    Regards,
    David Ethan.

    Find below a little outline about the rig sale.
    It is going to be a one time cash sale. The rig is down here in Fargo, the buyer will be responsible for picking up the rig once payment is received.
    The price is set at $4.3 million but we are opened to reasonable offers.
    The buyer wants my attorney to draft the Purchase agreement, The rig has manufacturers warranty that will cover it until 2020. There is no lien or debt on the rig.The Closing date depends on the buyer. Find below the
    information of buyer for your conflict check:

    American Specialty Oil Co
    34115 Industrial Rd, Livonia, MI 48150
    I presume for this kind of representation it will be better to charge on an hourly basis. Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate, I will schedule for a telephone conference to discuss further after reviewing your terms of representation and also explain the sale procedure. If you wish to discuss before moving forward I will still advise that you send me your retainer agreement so I can at least know the terms I will be working with. I will definitely schedule for a phone conference to discuss further and answer any questions that may be of concern to you. I will waiting to hear from you. Have a wonderful day.

    Regards,
    David Ethan
    CEO
    Winson Oil Trade Logistics
    701-289-3087
    215-118 Broadway, Fargo, ND 58102

    They sent a check from Royal Bank of Canada that looks real, thankfully I did some research and came across this thread before doing anything.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Received today in South Florida (One Netherland only, please!):

    "Hi,
    Do you handle purchase and sale agreement? If yes, your service will be needed for the sale of oil rig to a buyer from your state? If not, a referral will be appreciated.

    Regards,
    Vancang

    (Assistance to Andy Elliott)
    Andy Elliott
    Regional Manager
    IOT – DOSCO B.V
    Boekel 40, 1921 CE Akersloot,
    The Netherland"

    ReplyDelete
  56. This one from today:

    Hi Chris: We have a local buyer in your state ( Basin Drilling, LP Tyler, TX 75701, USA ) who is interested in purchasing our Drillmec HH-300 Oil Rig currently located at the port of Chattanooga Tennessee and we need an attorney that would draft a purchase and sales agreement for this transaction. I have attached the Spec-Sheet of the Rig for your review. If you can handle this please email to me your engagement letter as well as your rate and retainer fee.
    Thanks,
    ---
    Joren Kuijper
    Managing Director
    Aceiro Energy B.V.
    Herenweg 109 a
    2361 EN, Warmond,
    ZUID-HOLLAND Netherlands

    On 2019-12-11 20:49, Chris Joe wrote:
    It depends on how complex the agreement is.

    -----Original Message-----
    From: Joren
    Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2019 1:35 PM
    To: Chris Joe
    Subject: Request-Purcchase and sales agreement.

    Good day!

    Are you able to draft a purchase and sales agreement for my company?

    Joren Kuijper.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. we got that one today!

      From: "Aceiro Energy B.V."
      Date: February 26, 2020 at 3:32:31 AM PST
      To: Recipients
      Subject: Consent to draft a PSA
      Reply-To:
      Dear Counsel,

      My firm is in need of a US based attorney in your area to assist us with drafting a purchase and sales agreement with a local buyer. We are based in Europe but the rig is currently located in the USA.

      I will send you more information if you able to take this matter. If not, a referral will be appreciated.

      Regards,

      Joren Kuijper
      Managing director
      Aceiro Energy B.V.
      Herenweg 109 a
      2361 EN, Warmond,
      ZUID-HOLLAND Netherlands

      Delete
  57. Been receiving these emails from an Oliver Kassam, same basic text. Looking for attorney in Washingon state. They are using AVVO as a source for their attorney contact info.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Scam involving Joren Kuijper- mentioned above from an attorney who posted in December 2019- continues; spiel is that Kuijper's company is selling a rig and the buyer will cover seller's legal fees as part of good faith deposit in the $400K range; then there's another party- acting as the broker- who emails to make things look "more legit" and even sends paperwork and items by email and through the US mail. US mail delivered to me an LOI and a cashier's check Monday allegedly from Golden State Drilling Inc., Bakersfield, through its alleged Sunbelt broker drawn on citibank. For almost $400K. citibank refused to negotiate it- fraudulent check. Joren Kuijper in the meantime ordered me to wire funds "from the check" to a third party towards reserving "inspection" services. I refused - I didn't at that point know check was bad but bank put a hold on it- per normal practice for such large amounts- and check hadn't cleared, had it?- and he terminated me for refusing to disburse funds per his instructions. My bank advised me yesterday the check was "bad." Duh??? Anyway, it seems this scam has been going on for several years. So, good luck to anyone else who gets snagged by these guys. I'm collecting everything and taking it to interpol and the FBI. Time to put these guys out of our misery.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I got one that said that the rig was at the Port of Chattanooga. Chattanooga is on a river with a lot of dams. Not sure why and oil rig would end up there.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Here's what I got just today:

    Hi,

    Your contact information was found while surfing through USA bar referral directory here in Amsterdam. We are licensed and based European oil field construction firm, we need an attorney to assist us in drafting a purchase and sales agreement with a buyer in your area. Are you able to take this matter? If not, a referral will be appreciated
    Regards.

    Jacob Wietsma
    Managing Director
    SEW Oil & Gas
    Aalbos 6 1721 PL
    Broek op Langedijk
    The Netherlands

    ReplyDelete
  61. Got one today as well:

    We are licensed and based European oil field construction firm, we need an attorney to assist us in drafting a purchase and sales agreement with a buyer in your area. Are you able to take this matter? If not, a referral will be appreciated. Regards. Jacob Wietsma Managing Director SEW Oil & Gas Aalbos 6 1721 PL Broek op Langedijk The Netherlands

    ReplyDelete
  62. I am an attorney in the Chicago area, and recently received the following:

    From: Michael Rogers
    Sent: Friday, October 2, 2020 6:02 AM
    To: rcrane@r-cranelaw.com
    Subject: Commercial lease agreement
    I want to inquire if you draft commercial lease agreements. I got your contact information from the online bar directory. Kindly let me know so I can furnish you with more details. We would appreciate a referral if it's not your specialty.
    Regards,
    Michael Rogers
    Assistant to Daniel Ruiz

    Although suspicious, I responded that I handle such matters. In response, I received the following:

    Rich,

    My company is in the process of closing a lease deal with a company in your state. We are negotiating the terms for the lease, we will be drafting the lease agreement. We want you to review the lease agreement, amend some of the terms if the need arises and represent us in your state during the lease term. They are looking at the possibility of leasing my Subsea Well Intervention Equipment for a 36 months duration.
    We will require your services for the following:
    Review the lease agreement, Amend if required.
    Review the required documents for the lease
    The total value of the transaction will be around $3,600,000. The lease payments will be broken down to daily rental payments and all finances will be handled by my company, we are hoping to kick this off by mid-November. The COVID19 outbreak has made us uncertain about the closing date. I will provide you with our previous lease agreements which we have used in the past to make things move as fast as possible once we have agreed with your terms of representation.
    Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate, I believe you will not exceed 25 hours on the whole project. I will not be available by telephone until late next week end, we are still trying to put a lot of things in place. We can schedule to discuss after I have received and reviewed your retainer agreement. I look forward to hearing from you and working with you on this project. Let me know if you have any questions.
    Lessee Conflict:
    Shakespeare Oil Company, Inc.
    202 West Main Street, Salem, Illinois 62881
    Regards,
    Daniel Ruiz
    Vice President
    Drillstream Explorations LLC
    Tel: 318-209-7679
    Address:425 Edwards St,
    Ste 507/508 Shreveport, LA 7110
    Web:https://www.drillstreamexplorations.com

    It didn't take much research to confirm that this was a scam that apparently has been around for a number of years, and has no geographic limitations. ALL ATTORNEYS: BEWARE!!.

    ReplyDelete
  63. I’m an attorney in the Chicago area, and recently received the following email:

    I want to inquire if you draft commercial lease agreements. I got your contact information from the online bar directory. Kindly let me know so I can furnish you with more details. We would appreciate a referral if it's not your specialty.

    Regards,

    Michael Rogers
    Assistant to Daniel Ruiz

    While suspicious of a scam, I responded that I handle the type of matter in question. I then received the following in response:

    My company is in the process of closing a lease deal with a company in your state. We are negotiating the terms for the lease, we will be drafting the lease agreement. We want you to review the lease agreement, amend some of the terms if the need arises and represent us in your state during the lease term. They are looking at the possibility of leasing my Subsea Well Intervention Equipment for a 36 months duration.

    We will require your services for the following:
    Review the lease agreement, Amend if required.
    Review the required documents for the lease

    The total value of the transaction will be around $3,600,000. The lease payments will be broken down to daily rental payments and all finances will be handled by my company, we are hoping to kick this off by mid-November. The COVID19 outbreak has made us uncertain about the closing date. I will provide you with our previous lease agreements which we have used in the past to make things move as fast as possible once we have agreed with your terms of representation.

    Send me your retainer agreement based on your hourly rate, I believe you will not exceed 25 hours on the whole project. I will not be available by telephone until late next week end, we are still trying to put a lot of things in place. We can schedule to discuss after I have received and reviewed your retainer agreement. I look forward to hearing from you and working with you on this project. Let me know if you have any questions.

    Lessee Conflict:
    Shakespeare Oil Company, Inc.
    202 West Main Street, Salem, Illinois 62881

    Regards,

    Daniel Ruiz
    Vice President
    Drillstream Explorations LLC
    Tel: 318-209-7679
    Address:425 Edwards St,
    Ste 507/508 Shreveport, LA 7110
    Web:https://www.drillstreamexplorations.com


    It took little research to confirm it was a scam, and one that been around in various versions for quite some time. A caveat to my fellow attorneys: If it looks like a scam and smells like a scam, it probably is a scam.

    ReplyDelete