Here are the most recent scam alerts issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Emails misusing the name of Michael Hinchcliffe of Addleshaw Goddard LLP
A member of the public has informed the SRA of an email claiming to be from Mike Hinchcliffe of Addleshaw Goddard LLP using the email address “mike.hinchcliffeesq@yahoo.co.uk”, listing the postal address “Ludgate House, 107-111 Fleet St, London, EC4A 2AB” and telephone number “+44 116 326 4569”.
The email relates to an abandoned investment in respect of a deceased person.
Whilst Michael Hinchcliffe is a partner at Addleshaw Goddard LLP and Ludgate House is their address, neither the firm nor Micke Hinchcliffe say they are connected with the email.
Email claiming to be from Will Whitt of Foot Antsey LLP and “Bright and Heights”
The SRA has been informed emails have been sent claiming to be fromWill Whitt of Foot Antsey LLP, asking for personal information such as name, date of birth and address in order to access $8m held in a foreign bank, supposedly an inheritance from an unknown relative.
The emails have been coming from willwhittsolicitorfootantsey@gmail.com, willwhittsolicitorfootantsey@mail.com and willwhittsolicitoruk@gmail.com and list the number +44 793 746 1260 and the address: 100 Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6HZ.
Whilst William Whitt is a genuine employee of Plymouth based Foot Antsey who have a Bristol branch at the above address, the email and telephone numbers are unconnected. Neither the firm nor William Whitt say they are connected to the emails.
The emails also list the website “www.brightandheights.co.uk” and a solicitor Allan Henderson based at The Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street,12th floor, London EC2A 2EW, England.
It also lists the telephone number +44 207 1931133, fax number: +44 207 806 0800, email address: info@brightandheights.co.uk.
The SRA does not authorise any firm by the name Bright and Heights. However the SRA regulates a solicitor called Allan Henderson, but he is no longer practising.
The SRA regulates and authorises several genuine firms of solicitors that have offices at The Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street, London, EC2A 2EW.
Emails misusing the name “Richmond Law Chambers”
Members of the public have received emails claiming to be from “Richmond law Chambers” and refer to “registration, endorsement and legalization” of immigration documents such as a UK visa and work permit.
The emails ask the recipient to make a payment via Money Gram to complete the registration process.
The emails were sent from “barrister.richmond.chamber@lawyer.com” and give the telephone number +44 (0) 871 915 4703 and postal address of Richmond Potters, 44 Green Lane Park, Manchester, L12 4JJ
They also use the names Mark Morgan, Mark Phillips and Mark Campbell, none of whom are employed by Richmond Law Chambers.
Whilst the firm is real, they are based in Covent Garden and say they are not connected with these emails. ny business or transactions using the contact details above are not undertaken by a solicitor’s practice or an individual authorised or 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.
