The Law Society of Alberta has become aware of a new series of frauds involving counterfeit certified cheques.

While there are scams occurring all the time, new ones and variations of existing scams, this one involves what appear to be legitimate certified cheques. Sole practitioners and lawyers in small firms are often targeted.

The deals look legitimate, and typically the client is in a hurry and is new to the firm. Typically, the fraud unfolds like this:

• The lawyer receives and deposits the certified cheque that funds the transaction.
• He or she then draws certified cheques as the borrower has directed.
• Several days later, the lawyer is advised that the certified cheque from the lender is bogus and there is a shortfall in his or her trust account.

Coming in December 2008, there will be new "know your client" rules.

The Law Society of Alberta, working with the Federation of Law Societies, is acting in the public interest to ensure that lawyers are in the forefront of the fight against money laundering. The new rules around client identification and verification requirements will protect solicitor-client privilege and the independence of the legal profession.

The Law Society of Alberta has approved new rules, to be effective December 1, 2008.

For more details, visit www.lawsociety.ab.ca

On April 17, 2008, a Resignation Committee of the Benchers of the Law Society of Alberta granted the application of Michael J. Mullrooney to resign, pursuant to section 32 of the Legal Profession Act, effective immediately. For more details, visit www.lawsociety.ab.ca