Thank you for responding to my inquiry and best of the day to you. The time difference makes it is a little bit difficult to reach you. My name is Sapphire Nikkori and I am currently in Japan for an assignment. My ex husband Gregory Nikkori and I were divorced in Singapore but he has since relocated to the United States. He is a citizen.
The legal description of my case involved both of us agreeing under a Property and Settlement agreement incorporated, merged into and made part of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage for a settlement of child support, spousal support, and medical support of $1,035,600.00, of which $295,500.00 has been remitted by him leaving a balance of $740.100.00 to be paid. This is the reason why I contacted your firm as there is already an agreement in place. I know for sure my ex husband has the financial means to pay for balance he owes me.
Thus, I request your legal services to enforce the court order compelling him to remit balance owed me. Attached for your perusal is a copy of the Property settlement agreement, and the Court's Decree and I will be pleased to provide further information on this case on request. I expect this to be resolved in a timely manner. If you want to take up this case, kindly send me a copy of your draft agreement and if the terms are acceptable I will sign so we can commence the process without delay.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and professionalism.
Yours truly,
Ms. Sapphire Nikkori
2-5-15 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku
Tokyo 189-8903, Japan
Tel: +815058098190
I just received this same e-mail today. I wrote "her" back and "she" sent me a 2-page Property Settlement Agreement and a Judgment of Divorce from Singaport. I am astounded that some of my colleagues fall for these scams, but I am also surprised by the lengths that these people will go to rip off lawyers.
ReplyDeleteI received similar responses. I know this is a scam but just curious where to report this person. Is it worth waiting for the counterfeit check, which will soon magically appear within days of threatening suit to give to the FBI?
DeleteShe is now targeting the East Coast, using Crystal Hokkien, living in Japan. The documents are obviously fake, issued from Singapore! Bloomberg has moved to New Hampshire now.
DeleteHere is what I just received from "Sapphire Nikkori":
ReplyDeleteDear Counsel,
I request your legal services in order to enforce a court decree against my ex-husband. If you are in position to help me, please kindly advice immediately for more details.
Yours truly,
Sapphire Nikkori
Same scenario as Sapphire Nikkori above only from "Sharon Trump" and indicating her ex now lives in my town in Ohio. Also included a photo ID from Singapore and a copy of the Singapore passport for "Sharon Trump" as well as the same 2 page property settlement and "decree" which had phony all over it. Here's the second email:
ReplyDeleteThanks for your prompt response. Am residing in Japan for an assignment at present and my ex-spouse Herman Trump now lives in OH. As a result of time difference it is a little bit difficult to reach you. We were divorced in Singapore. My ex-husband Herman Trump is a US citizen. We both agreed under a Property Settlement Agreement incorporated, merged into and made part of the Final Judgment for a onetime settlement of Family Support and Property Division in the amount of $1,038,500, he has paid me $186,000.00USD but still owing $852.500.00USD and the stipulated time for completion of payment has long elapsed. This is the reason why I contacted you as there is already an agreement in place. I know for sure my ex-husband has the financial means to pay the unpaid balance set forth in our settlement agreement. Thus, I request your legal services with regards to compelling him to remit balance owed me. Attached is a copy of the property settlement agreement and the Final Judgment. I will be pleased to provide further information on this case on request and I expect this to be resolved in a timely manner.
Furthermore, I seek to retain your firm for this purpose, please send me a copy of your retainer agreement and if the terms are acceptable I will sign so we can commence the process without delay. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and professionalism.
Regards,
Sharon Trump
Address: Nishi Shinjuku K-1 Bldg. 1B, 3-6-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku Tokyo Japan
We received the same in the past few days. "She" is still trying to get someone to "help" her.
DeleteCan someone explain to me exactly how this scam works?? I receive these laughable emails all of the time and move one but I fail to see how people are taken for large amounts of money. I feel as a lawyer I should be able to understand, but I don't feel like baiting the scammer just to find out how they do it.
ReplyDeleteThey send you a large, fake check and then after you deposit the check they want you to send the money to them just like every other check scam. Someone in my office was sent a check, luckily I'm more savy than this person was. The check they send is so obviously fake. We turned it over to police but had no hope that anything would actually happen.
DeleteThe "client's" ex-spouse sends you a very official looking cashier's check, which you are to deposit to your IOLTA account. As soon as you notify the client that you have done so, they instruct you to wire it to them immediately, which, of course you do because your professional responsibility rules require you to. But final settlement doesn't happen until days after you wired the money, and then your bank, upon finding that the cashier's check won't be paid because it is a fake, wants their money back.
ReplyDeleteI was almost tricked by a similar scam. Hot it works is like this..
ReplyDeleteIf you contact the sender (in this case, Sapphire), the sender would say that she may be able to settle this matter between themselves but still need your service. A few days later, the sender would tell you that her ex-husband agreed to send a check in a large amount to your office and ask you to remit the money to her Japanese bank account after deducting your fees. You would then receive a check that looks real but it's actually a counterfeit. Your bank might take it any way and remit the money to Japan. After the bank realizes that the check is a counterfeit, the bank would take the money from your account. You may end up with a large debt.
I actually got a counterfeit check but my bank didn't take it and returned it to me. I was very fortunate.
I wanted to add to the above that I actually got a call from the "ex-husband" of the sender. The "ex-husband" seemed to have been frustrated because my bank was taking a long time to cash the check, which they didn't after all. It was a Canadian number (I'm in NY) and the "ex-husband" who was supposed to be a Japanese American spoke with a heavy Russian (or a similar language) accent. I think this scam is done by a large international criminal organization.
DeleteBy the way, the counterfeit check looked like a Citibank cashier's check.
Same as anonymous above with the Sharon Trump names.
ReplyDeleteMine looked like this:
ReplyDeleteDear Attorney [my name],
I am writing you today concerning disputes/disagreement between my ex-husband and I regarding a property settlement agreement.
This agreement was entered into and signed by both parties early last year, and till date he has failed to fulfill his obligations. I have in my possession documents backing this fact.
I want to retain your services regarding this issue.I will want you to get back to me if you are interested in taking up this case,then i will forward you the documents for your review.
Anticipating your reply.
Best Regards,
Sapphire Nikkori.
It is not a scam, i know her
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA! Sorry. Ahem. Of course you do. Please, tell us more.
DeleteI got an email from her and I'm an investigator - she must be making the rounds...
DeleteDo what I am doing. Tell her you will endorse the check without recourse and with the express understanding that it may be a forgery and send it to the nearest U.S. Consulate, in the meantime you will run a check on it to determine if it is good. She can pick it up at the Security Office and talk about it with police authorities if it is no good.
ReplyDeleteI have told her that I will only take cash and need to meet her in person. I have also told her that any settlement will be in cash form and she will need to come to my office to pick it up as I will not wire money overseas. I informed her that she would need to contact customs appropriately. I also told her my retainer would be non-refundable b/c I will be turning down other work.
DeleteI am having too much fun with them.
I told her I was confirming the Order with Judge Kang and found the judge's email on the singapore court's website. Needless to say I don't expect to here back.
ReplyDeleteI am "toying" with "her" now.
ReplyDelete"Eagle eye"
Got this one on 3/10/13:
ReplyDeleteDear Counsel
My name is Hillary Tiachi. I am contacting your firm in regards to a divorce settlement with my ex husband McConnell Tiachi who resides in your jurisdiction.
I am currently on assignment in South Korea. We had an out of court agreement for him to pay $496.500.00 plus legal fees. He has only paid me
$183,000.00 since.
I am hereby seeking your firm`s assistance in collecting the balance from him or litigate this matter if he fails to pay as promised because He has delayed for too long. If you are in the position to represent me at the moment kindly advice immediately.
Your's Truly,
Hillary Tiachi.
--------------------------
Actually went to the bank to deposit the check received from the husband. Emailed "Hillary" back that she will get the transfer once the deposited check clears. Will get back to you as to if that ever happens...
I received the same scam email. Its pretty easy to check with this website. I just google "Sapphire Nikkori" and the truth is confirmed. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI first received this on April 1:
ReplyDeleteQuote: --------------------------------------
Dear Counsel,
Compliment of the season, We wish to retain your service for a legal matter in your Jurisdiction.
Kindly let us know if you are interested so that we will provide more details.
Thank you.
Yours Sincerely,
Mr. Hirashin Takeshi Maki
Hirashin Kiko Co.,Ltd.
9-13, Higashi Yawata 2-chome,
Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Japan
ZIP 254-0016
Tel;46321-6766
Email;hhirashin@gmail.com
http://r-area.com/hirashin/
Unquote------------------------------------------------
A significant portion of my practice is international (IP and commercial) and I have another client in Japan, so it was not completely off the wall. The prospective "client" is also real.
They signed my retainer and then sent a 38 page contract between Hirashin Kiko and Cox Communications, which I actually reviewed. The contract was well written and clearly genuine.
I then received the following this morning:
Quote ---------------------------------------------------
We are delighted to inform you that we received a message from our debtor, they have issued a payment of $458,000.00 to your firm as a part of the money owed our company to avoid litigation brought against them and to pay the balance $742,000.00 by May 18, 2013 they became scared when we notify them of our plan to seek legal advice on the matter.
The customer has made the payment to your firm and you will have your retainer fee deducted from this sum and this will give us a good note to start off as agreed by my board of directors.
Please we should pause any action at this time since payment as been issued to your firm. Kindly keep me posted as soon as you receive and deposit the payment.
Yours Sincerely
unquote ---------------------------------------------------
"Ta Dah". At this point I Googled "spam Hirashin Takeshi Maki" and found this site. Thank you. I would like to believe the spam would never trick me to the point of wiring substantial funds to stranger, but I have to admit to suspending disbelief longer than I care to admit. Another clue was his failure to answer who referred him to me.
Not sure what to do next. Any suggestions?
I got an e-mail from Mr. Hirashin Takeshi Maki today seeking representation in a commercial matter. I sent an engagement letter in pdf format, and he responded that he could not open it, and asked for it in Word format, whreupon I got a bit suspicious. I then found this blog.
DeleteThank you for posting it and saving me any further time on it. Any idea why he would want the letter in Word?
Wow. I just got my check from Teledirect Telecommunications Group for exactly $458,000.00 made payable to my firm for debt owed to Hirashin Kiko Co. Ltd. even though I never sent the retainer agreement and only responded to his emails with questions about the debt. Seemed legitimate until the check for $458k arrived made payable to my firm.
DeleteExact same scam different debtor. Just faxed the check to Royal Bank of Canada to verify funds.
Dear Counsel,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Sharon Trump. I am contacting your firm in regards to a property
settlement with my ex husband Herman Trump who resides in your jurisdiction.
I am currently on assignment in Japan. We had an agreement (Property Settlement
Agreement) for him to pay $1,038,500 plus legal fees. He has only paid me
$186,000.00 since. I am hereby seek your legal services in compelling him
to remit the balance amount or litigate this matter if he fails to pay as
the stated time for completion of payment has long elapsed. If you are in
the position to represent me at the moment kindly advice immediately.
Your's truly,
Sharon Trump
I got one of these last week. It was not a scam on its face as most of these are, so I responded. I received this on 4/9/2013:
ReplyDelete"Thank you for your prompt response. Am living in Japan and Herman Trump (ex spouse) lives in Silverdale, WA . Due to the time difference (+13hrs EST) it is a little bit difficult to determine the best time to call you. We agreed under a property settlement Agreement attached to this mail for a onetime cash settlement of $705,600.00USD and $332,900.00USD for property division and Family support respectively. To his credit, he has paid me $186,000.00USD from a total of $1,038,500 but still owing $852.500.00USD. Hence, I need your counsel in order to collect the balance owed to me under the settlement agreement. The Final judgment of dissolution of marriage also attached makes reference to a Settlement Agreement being attached to and incorporated therein.
He is aware of my intention to seek legal actions with your firm. I will be pleased to provide further information on this matter on request. I have already advised him I am planning on retaining your firm. Kindly send me your firm’s retainer fee agreement so that we can proceed."
Attached were a PDF judgment and property settlement agreement apparently executed in Singapore. These documents are not at all like the judgments and property settlement agreements I prepare, but then how would I know what people do in Singapore?
So I googled the names to see if there really was a Herman Trump in my jurisdiction (none found). But I did find this site.
Thanks, and I think my correspondence with "Sharon Trump" has concluded . . .
Kelley Rinehart
Once again thanks you for giving me the privilege to retain your firm as i look forward to your firm handling this matter without delay.
Do have a pleasant day.
Regards,
Sharon Trump
Address:Sumida-ku, Arka Central Building, 69F Tokyo Japan
I have not practiced law in years, but my email is still on the list:
ReplyDeleteFrom: "sharontromp@iprimus.com.au"
Dear Counsel,
My name is Sharon Trump. I am contacting your firm in regards to a
property settlement with my ex husband Herman Trump who resides in your
jurisdiction. I am currently on assignment in Japan. We had an agreement
(Property Settlement Agreement) for him to pay $1,038,500 plus legal
fees. He has only paid me $186,000.00 since. I am hereby seeking your
firm`s assistance in compelling him to remit the balance owed to me or litigate
this matter if he fails to pay as the stated time for completion of payment
has long elpsed. If you are in the position to represent me at the
moment kindly advice immediately.
Your's truly,
Sharon Trump
To:
Sent: Monday, April 15, 2013 9:11 AM
Subject: Re
My alternative email is sharontrump@att.net and I can be reached on +81 (0)
505 809-8190.
Sharon Trump
I received the same email from Hirashin T. Maki, and received a check "from" Cox Communications for $458,000. They signed my retainer agreement. They sent a contract to review and a settlement agreement. It appeared to be bonafide. I didn't see this blog site until after I realized it was a scam (my bank believed the check was counterfeit). I have the check. I have contacted the authorities and the companies. One of the IP addresses traces back to Rogers wireless company in Ontario, and the check was mailed from Canada.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know how to go the next step to try to locate the scammer(s?) At least one of them is in Canada.
The alias "Maki" played the identical scheme with me exact as to the retainer agreement, the check from the Canadian bank for $458,000 based on a signed contract. All looked legitimate except for a number of telltale giveaways that the entire deal is a scam and fraud to extract monies for lawyers or the companies whose checks they forge, which are probably conspiring with them.
ReplyDeleteAvoid this criminality like the plague and turn it over to the local police.
Here's the one I got today, also from Sharon Trump.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Sharon Trump. I am contacting your firm in regards to a property settlement with my ex husband Herman Trump who resides in your jurisdiction.
I am currently on assignment in Japan. We had an agreement (Property Settlement Agreement) for him to pay $1,038,500 plus legal fees. He has only paid me $186,000.00 since. I am hereby seeking your firm`s assistance in compelling him to remit the balance owed to me or litigate this matter if he fails
to pay as the stated time for completion of payment has long elapsed. If you are in the position to represent me at the moment kindly advice immediately.
Sharon Trump
Got one yesterday:
ReplyDelete"Please do you handle cases on failure to obey court order of property settlement?
Ms Crystal."
I sent a polite email declining. The reply:
"Dear Counsel,
Thanks for your prompt response. Am residing in Japan for an assignment at present and my ex-spouse Bloomberg Hokkien now lives in Baton Rouge, LA As a result of time difference it is a little bit difficult to reach you. We were divorced in Singapore. My ex-husband Mr. Bloomberg is a US citizen. We both agreed under a Property Settlement Agreement incorporated, merged into and made part of the Final Judgment for a onetime settlement of Family Support and Property Division in the amount of $1,058,520.00 he has paid me $190,500.00USD but still owing $868.020.00USD and the stipulated time for completion of payment has long elapsed. This is the reason why I contacted you as there is already an agreement in place. I know for sure my ex-husband has the financial means to pay the unpaid balance set forth in our settlement agreement. Thus, I request your legal services with regards to compelling him to remit balance owed me. Attached is a copy of the property settlement agreement and the Final Judgment. I will be pleased to provide further information on this case on request and I expect this to be resolved in a timely manner. Furthermore, I seek to retain your firm for this purpose, please send me a copy of your retainer agreement and if the terms are acceptable I will sign so we can commence the process without delay. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and professionalism.
Regards,
Ms Crystal.
Address: K-1 Bldg.2F, 1-2-13. Azabu-juban Minato-ku. Tokyo 106-0045 JAPAN"
I almost deleted it and erased from my memory, but after reading this post, I decided to have a little fun. My reply, not that the recipient cares:
Attached is my retainer agreement. The fee split is 90% to me, after deducting expenses, costs, etc., with the remainder to you. I can’t wait to work with you Ms. Crystal.
Attached a retainer agreement as follows:
RETAINER AGREEMENT
This agreement is made by and between the undersigned parties. One party is an attorney, who will provide no real legal services because he is not actually being retained to so do. The other is Ms. Crystal Hokkien, a.k.a. Hirashin T. Maki, a.k.a. Sharon Trump, a.k.a. Hillary Tiachi, a.k.a. scammer.
Pursuant to this agreement, the proposed terms are as follows:
1) Scammer shall send a forged check to the attorney.
2) The attorney shall then cash it, retain his “fee” for performing no actual services, then wire the remaining funds overseas.
3) At some later date, the bank will realize the check is a forgery and claim the entire amount of the forged check against the attorney.
The real terms are as follows:
1) Scammer shall send a forged check to the attorney.
2) Attorney will forward the forged check, along with any emails from scammer, to the FBI.
3) FBI will discard the check and emails in the trash.
Witnessed this day the 1st day of April, 2013.
________________________ ________________________
Attorney Scammer
I , too, just received a draft for over $312.000 payable to my law firm folowing emails from Crystal Hokkien. How do I get this into the hands of thr FBI?
DeleteReport it at the Internet crime complaint center. Www.ic3.gov
DeleteShe actually sent me a check for $295,000.00 and sent me wiring instructions
ReplyDeleteI don't get it, why wouldn't you wait until all funds have completely and officially been cleared by your bank before undertaking any transaction based on those funds? I would tell the lady after I got the "check" that it will be six months before the funds have been cleared.
ReplyDeleteI told "Crystal" that I had deposited the $297,450.00 cashier's check in my trust account, and the bank has already wired the funds to her (minus my sizable retainer), and that she should start looking for her money in the next few hours. She got very excited. I started getting emails from her every 15 minutes requesting the bank's wire confirmation. The check, of course, is still on my desk with the other junk mail. Hopefully she has already spent the money using high interest credit cards in anticipation of receiving a big payoff from the gullible Texas lawyer!
ReplyDeletePlease do what I do with all these scammers. String then along as long as you can. Tell them you are interested but need more information, tell them you wired money to them (if requested) and make up MTCN numbers. Keep them so busy with phony replies that they dont have time to scam the people who would legitimately reply and lose money to them.
ReplyDeleteCrystal asked for my bank information so she could wire transfer the funds. Right. I was lucky that she did that early on. I might have gotten taken with some of the scenarios I've heard described.
ReplyDeleteCrystal asked for my bank information so that she could wire transfer the money to me. Right.
ReplyDeleteYep, I'm an attorney in Seattle and apparently Mr. Hokkian now lives here. The documents are still from a Singapore Court and clearly Ms. Hokkian is getting frustrated with how often her ex-husband moves around.
ReplyDelete