Fool Me Twice.. Fake Lawyer Mikhail Perlov Caught Again

He didn’t learn the first time. Mikhail Perlov, 31, has been indicted with nearly twenty charges including multiple counts of grand larceny and scheme to defraud for pretending to be a lawyer to con mostly Russian immigrants out of thousands of dollars, according to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s office.

No, you’re not experiencing deja vu. He’s been caught with this before. Last year, in September of 2015, Perlov was caught for this exact scam. The first time, he went into a civil agreement with the Attorney General’s office to stop practicing law, pay back the approximate $40,000 he stole, and pay $10,000 in fines.

The office he once occupied on Avenue U and East 19 Street with his name on the door was closed, but he didn’t stop scamming people. He started meeting “clients” in his home and public places, according to the Attorney General’s office.

“This defendant has time and time again held himself out as a resource to many in the immigrant community, but instead has allegedly lined his own pockets at the expense of vulnerable New Yorkers,” said Schneiderman. “This type of fraud is particularly egregious as it preys on those who are in need of legal assistance. My office will remain vigilant against fraudsters who target our immigrant communities, particularly at a time of heightened fear and anxiety.”

Perlov is facing two to seven years in prison if convicted, according to the Attorney General’s office.

He posted advertisements in Russian newspapers with pictures of his facing saying he’s an “attorney at law.” He claimed to have extensive experience and expertise practicing in New York, New Jersey, and Florida.

Perlov’s advertisement on RusRek.com the online advertising service operated by Russian-language weekly newspaper Russkaya Reklama, stated “Problems with the law?” “Under arrest?!” “Are you being accused!” “Will help with getting charges dropped, will help with getting out of jail.”

In one case, Perlov conned a 78-year-old Russian man into thinking he’d be getting “millions” in a non-existent civil lawsuit. The victim spoke little English, and Perlov took advantage by telling him not to tell anyone about the case to avoid “delays.” Perlov stole $20,000 in that fictitious suit for his “legal services,” according to prosecutors.

The investigation into Perlov’s fake law practice is still ongoing. If you feel you have been a victim of this type of crime or if you have additional information regarding this matter, please contact the Attorney General’s office at (212) 416-8758. Russian-speaking personnel will be available for individuals who do not speak English.