01 March 2011, by Tony Woon Yeow Thong
Bar Council is concerned about the growing number of reports and complaints received in relation to persons who hold themselves out as being authorised to offer legal services to the general public, or who masquerade as advocates and solicitors registered with Bar Council. Amongst the reports received are related to:
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Inheritance of monies via email scam;
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Preparation of Sale and Purchase Agreements for the purpose of withdrawal of funds from the purchasers’ Employees Provident Fund accounts;
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Issuance of Letter of Demand by unauthorised persons;
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Misuse of a firm’s particulars on unauthorised letterheads/office stationeries; and
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Unauthorised individuals passing themselves off as advocates and solicitors.
We urge all Members to be wary of such scams and to verify the identity and status of the lawyer or legal firm they are dealing with by consulting the Malaysian Bar Website at http://www.malaysianbar.org.my , or by contacting the Bar Council Secretariat by telephone at 03-2050 2050, or by email at council@malaysianbar.org.my. Members are also advised to lodge police reports in relation to these scams and forward the reports to Bar Council for further action.
Tony Woon Yeow Thong
Secretary, Malaysian Bar
14 May 2011
Editor’s Note: For risk management tips on managing EPF scams and fraudulent Schemes, do read