Internet Check-cashing Scam

The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) is periodically made aware of internet check-cashing scams targeting lawyers. In some instances, identities of Washington lawyers have been used without authority. If you receive an e-mail purporting to be from a Washington lawyer and/or seeking assistance transferring or wiring checks, we suggest that you direct your concerns to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National White Collar Crime Center, and the Bureau of Justice Assistance) through its online service and/or the Washington State Attorney General's Office by mail at 800 Fifth Ave Ste 2000, Seattle, WA 98104-3188, by telephone at: 1-800-551-4636, or online.

If you believe the scam involves misconduct by a Washington lawyer, please contact our Consumer Affairs line at 206-727-8207.

For more information, please see the September 2009 Bar News article, "Check-cashing Schemes Target Lawyers."