The Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board (TTIPAB) has issued a warning about a sophisticated scam targeting intellectual property (IP) rights owners in Australia and New Zealand. Fraudsters are impersonating registered IP attorneys to trick people into making payments or filing trademarks under false pretences.
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What Makes This Scam Dangerous
- Impersonation of Real Attorneys: Scammers are using genuine details of registered attorneys to make their emails look authentic.
- Targeting Trust: By pretending to be trusted professionals, they exploit the trust clients place in their advisers.
- Sophistication: These scams go beyond generic phishing attempts, leveraging public attorney registers to gather accurate details.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unusual Urgency: Demands for immediate action with little time for review.
- Payment Requests: Links to unknown payment portals or requests to change payment methods.
- Unfamiliar IP Rights: Contact about IP matters you don’t recognize.
- Email Anomalies: Slight changes in email domains (e.g., “john.smith@ipfirm-aus.com” instead of “john.smith@ipfirm.com.au“).
- Poor Formatting: Errors in grammar, layout, or tone that don’t match professional communication standards.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify Email Domains: Always cross-check the sender’s email with the firm’s official website.
- Be Skeptical: Question unexpected requests, especially those demanding payment or immediate action.
- Look for Official Details: Legitimate emails should reference specific IP rights and deadlines, along with clear contact details.
- Independently Confirm: Use the official contact details of the firm to verify any communication.
- Avoid Links: Don’t click on links or download attachments from suspicious emails.
Why You Should Stay Alert
Falling for these scams can result in:
- Financial Loss: Payments made to fraudsters instead of legitimate service providers.
- Missed Deadlines: Confusion could lead to ignoring real communications, causing loss of IP rights.
- Reputational Risk: Mismanagement of IP-related matters can harm your business image.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
- Contact the attorney or firm directly using verified contact information.
- Report the incident to local authorities or IP boards.
- Educate your team about recognizing and avoiding such scams.
Stay Safe
As scams become more sophisticated, staying vigilant is key. Always double-check communications, and don’t hesitate to seek clarification from your IP attorney or the relevant authority. Safeguard your IP rights by ensuring every step is verified and legitimate.
Reference:
New IP Scam Alert: Fraudsters Now Impersonating Registered Attorneys