Here are the latest scam alerts as issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
Emails misusing the name of “Clyde & Co LLP”
Members of the public say they have received emails claiming to be from Clyde & Co with some from “Jenny Cooper” or “David Wilkinson”. The emails have come from several @gmail.com addresses and list the address of The St Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7AR and the telephone number +44 020 7876 4367.
Whilst that is the address of the genuine firm Clyde & Co, the firm say they have no connection with these emails. The SRA regulated solicitors by the names of Jenny Green and David Wilkinson also say they have no connection with such emails.
Emails misusing the name “Daniel Martin”
The SRA say they have seen emails using the name “Daniel Martin” in relation to an unclaimed inheritance. the emails come from lawyerdanielmartin@yahoo.co.uk and the SRA understands that “proof of identification” has also been provided which states that “Attorney Daniel Martin” works at “W.W.Law Office”.
The SRA does not authorise or regulate any firm with the name “W.W.Law Office” and while they regulate several Daniel Martins, none have said they are connected with these emails.
Emails misusing the name of Marriott Harrison LLP
Members of the public say they’ve received emails claiming to be from Marriott Harrison LLP regarding a “Revised Lease Contract”. The emails contain genuine details from the firm but some were sent in the name of Adeoti Abimbola” from the email address “bimboadeoti@gmail.com” and other emails were sent from the email addresses “visionxplorerconsult@gmail.com” and “itmowo@gmail.com”. The SRA does not authorise and regulate a solicitor called Adeoti Abimbola.
Marriott Harrison LLP is a genuine firm which is authorised and regulated by the SRA. The genuine firm has told the SRA that it is not connected to the email referred to above.
Website for RIHL Limited
A website has appeared claiming to be a law firm named RIHL Limited at “RIHLclaim.co.uk”, listing an address of Marine House, Cartwright Drive, Fareham, Hampshire PO15 5RJ, a telephone number of 0800 043 6674, and a email address: “info@rihlclaim.co.uk”.
The site uses details and images from Harrop & Hepburn, based in Surrey, who say they have no connection with the website. The SRA say they regulate no firm by the name of RIHL Limited.
Emails claiming to be from Verma & Co
The SRA has received a report that an email claiming to relate to a property conveyance has been sent from “Parveen Verma” of “Verma & Co Solicitors”. it refers to a “memorandum of sale” and claims to enclose “contract documentation”. The attachment may contain harmful malware if opened.
The email has been sent from the email address: “amir.garba@gmail.com” . The SRA say it provides the genuine contact details of a genuine firm of solicitors, Verma & Co Solicitors. However the genuine firm say they are unconnected with these emails.
What to do
The SRA say when a firm’s or individual’s identity has been copied exactly (or cloned), due diligence is necessary. If you receive correspondence claiming to be from the above firm(s) or individual(s), or information of a similar nature to that described, you should conduct your own due diligence by checking the authenticity of the correspondence by contacting the law firm directly by reliable and established means.
You can contact the SRA to find out if individuals or firms are regulated and authorised by the SRA and verify an individual’s or firm’s practising details. Other verification methods, such as checking public records (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.
