Make it Stop!
August 25, 2014Several months ago, I started receiving collect calls from an unnamed federal prisoner. I simply ignored the first few calls and sent them to voice mail. Ultimately, I listened to a message and opted out. I’ve blocked the number, so I’d have to do some research to see if there have been more calls.
On 8/20 I received an email via CorrLinks:
“This is a system generated message informing you that the above-named person is a federal prisoner who seeks to add you to his/her contact list for exchanging electronic messages. There is no message from the prisoner at this time.”
1) I don’t know anyone in prison;
2) I definitely do not know this individual;
3) Absolutely NOTHING on my website or any of my marketing materials even hints at a knowledge/practice of criminal law in any capacity; and
4) My website and marketing material clearly state; “Our services are NOT provided to the general public.”
I used the link to block ‘all federal prisoners from contacting me via electronic messaging’ using their system.
Today I received a direct email from the prisoner’s Gmail account –
Dear Ms. Starr,
What type legal services do you provide. Also, do you provide legal services to people Incarcerated? I may need assistance on minor Legal Issues and Administrative Service type Issues. Can you email me more information or send through the postal system.
(oh, yes, the original email was sent in red type)
Are you f-ing kidding me?
It’s enough that I have to field daily calls from the general public seeking ‘paralegal assistance’ in divorce, custody matters, probate, DUI, possession, etc. who:
a) genuinely believe the disclaimer doesn’t apply to them,
b) do not grasp that I specialize in bankruptcy,
c) insist that they know ‘for a fact’ that paralegals can do ‘anything’ [Well, we can … but only under the direct supervision of an attorney 😉 ],
d) all they want is a little ‘advice’ [Sheesh! They’re killing me!],
e) they don’t want to pay a lawyer for a simple [fill in the blank].
Do I really have to fend off someone convicted of possession/distribution of child porn too??
