SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) is warning residents about a sophisticated scam in which criminals are impersonating Oregon attorneys to steal money. Officials say at least two victims have already lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in separate schemes, highlighting the growing danger of online fraud.
Two Costly Cases
Fake Attorney Website
In the first reported incident, scammers created a fraudulent website posing as an Oregon attorney. One victim, who connected with someone on the dating app Hinge, was referred to the website and believed she was working with a legitimate attorney offering investment opportunities. Trusting the scam, she transferred a large sum of money with the expectation of receiving returns. Instead, the funds disappeared, and the fraud was exposed only after significant losses.
Email Account Breach
In another case, a consumer lost more than $700,000 after scammers gained unauthorized access to both an attorney’s and a client’s email accounts.
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Knowing the client was expecting a settlement, the scammers impersonated the client and sent false wiring instructions to redirect the funds. They also posed as the attorney to cancel a scheduled meeting, preventing the fraud from being detected before the money was transferred.
Although a hold was quickly placed on the transfer, investigators say it is still unclear how much of the money can be recovered. The FBI and financial institutions involved are investigating the breach.
Growing Sophistication of Scams
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield called the scams “increasingly sophisticated, predatory, and cruel.”
“This is a reminder to practice extreme caution when it comes to money, even if something – or someone – seems legitimate,” Rayfield said.
The warning follows a recent FBI public service announcement that flagged similar scams. In some cases, criminals have impersonated attorneys to re-target victims of past scams, falsely offering to help them recover lost funds in exchange for additional payments.
What to Do if You’ve Been Impacted
The DOJ and FBI urge victims to act quickly to improve the chances of recovering stolen funds. If you suspect you’ve been targeted, officials recommend:
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File a report with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
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File a police report with your local law enforcement agency.
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If money was wired, contact your bank immediately and submit a “Suspicious Activity Report.”
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File a report with the FDIC for suspected wire fraud.
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Notify the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which investigates banks for compliance and fiduciary violations.
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Submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Guidance for Attorneys
Attorneys themselves are also being advised to take precautions if they become victims of impersonation. Recommended steps include:
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Report the incident to the Oregon State Bar.
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File a police report and provide any details, including fraudulent websites.
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Submit a report to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center with all available evidence.
To reduce the risk of fraud in future transactions, attorneys are urged to:
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Verify wiring instructions in person whenever possible.
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If instructions are received via email or another indirect method, confirm them through a trusted phone number before sending funds.
Why It Matters
Wire fraud and attorney impersonation scams are part of a larger trend of cyber-enabled financial crimes that exploit trust, urgency, and digital communication. By mimicking trusted professionals and intercepting sensitive transactions, scammers are finding ways to bypass safeguards and exploit vulnerabilities.
Officials emphasize that awareness is the best defense. “Staying informed is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself,” the DOJ said in its alert.
Protecting Yourself
Experts recommend several best practices for anyone engaging in financial transactions online:
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Be wary of unsolicited contacts or referrals, especially those involving investments or settlements.
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Double-check email addresses and website URLs for inconsistencies or unusual spelling.
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Avoid sharing sensitive financial information through email without independent verification.
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Use multi-factor authentication to help secure email and financial accounts.
Ongoing Investigation
The DOJ confirmed that both reported cases remain under active investigation by the FBI and partner agencies. Authorities expect additional reports of similar scams and are urging attorneys, clients, and consumers across Oregon to be especially cautious.
Anyone with information about suspected fraudulent activity is encouraged to call the DOJ Consumer Hotline or submit a complaint online.
Bottom Line
The recent scams serve as a reminder that fraud tactics are evolving and that even trusted professionals like attorneys can be used as cover for criminals. By taking extra steps to verify communications and transactions, Oregonians can reduce their risk of becoming the next victim.
