Here are the most recent scam alerts issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Emails claiming to be from “Barr. Moore Blatch LLP”
Members of the public have reportedly received emails relating to an unclaimed inheritance. Emails are written in German and come from “lawfirm.mooreblatch@gmail.com” and list phone number 00447452249489, fax 004420131630784 and email “lawfirm.moreblatch@consultant.com”.
Whilst Moore Blatch LLP is a genuine SRA regulated firm based in Southampton with the phone number 023 8071 8000 and fax number 023 8033 2205 they say they have no connection with such emails.
Emails claiming to be from Bajwa and Co Solicitors
A member of the public has reported receiving an email appealing for funds to pay a hotel bill after the sender was mugged in a park in Kiev, Ukraine and left stranded. They list an address 39 Gowers Walk, London, E1 8BS, phone number 0044 2079 370 333, mobile number 0044 7860 268 364, fax 0044 2070 318 304 and email address bajvvaandco@aol.com.
The SRA regulate a firm named “A Bajwa & Co” based at the above address but not “Bajwa & Co Solicitors”. The genuine firm say they have no connection with the email.
Website for “William Law Office”, www.willawoffice.com
A website falseley clamiing to operate for a firm of solicitors called Willaim Law Office or William Law Firm has appeard, with a member of the public reporting receivign a document from them, headed “Williams Law Firm” in relation to an unclaimed inheritance.
It lists the contact address 220 Fetter Lane, EC4A 1AY, email “info@willawoffice.com” and telephone number of +44 203 322 9100.
No such firm by any of these names is authporised regulated by the SRA.
Emails claiming to be from “Mr Roberts Brown” of “Browns Solicitors LLP” and “Richy Brown Solicitors LLP”
Members of the public have been receiving emails claiming to be from a Mr Roberts Brown of”Browns Solicitors LLP” and “Richy Brown Solicitors LLP” asking for feedback on a financial report, with the phone number 442 5678 890, fax 678 890990 and email sheaslaters@gmail.com
The SRA regulates several Browns Solicitors but no Browns Solicitors LLP, as well as a number of Robert Browns.
Emails claiming to be from a James Price at Farrer & Co
The SRA has been informed by members of the public that they have received emails form a James Price at Farrer and co and refer to one of the solicitor’s client’s beneficiary. The emails come from “jamespricefarrer04@outlook.com” or “jamespricefarrer02@outlook.com”.
the SRA does regulate a firm called Farrer & Co LLP who employ a solicitor by the name of James Price. However both the company and the individual say they have no connection with these emails.
Emails claiming to be from the firm “Gudeon and Fadden Solicitors”
Emails are circulating claiming to be from Barr Adam Dann” of “Gudeon& Fadden Solicitors” using the email address: “adamdann@gudeon-fadden.co.uk”. The email attaches a “Certificate of Incorporation” for the firm ‘Gudeon & Fadden Solicitors Limited’ and link to ‘www.gudeon-fadden.com/site’. They also refers to a link to a separate website: ‘http://www.blplaw.com’
No such firm is regulated by the SRA.
What to do
When a firm’s or individual’s identity has been copied or cloned, due diligence is necessary. If you receive correspondence claiming to be from the above firms or individuals, 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 may be required in other circumstances.
