Here are the most recent scam alerts issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Facebook page misusing the name “Sookias and Sookias”
A facebook page under the name “Ian Brown has been set up claiming he works at a “Sookias and Sookias”. Whilst the SRA regulates several people named “Ian Brown” none work at Sookias and Sookias, a genuine law firm. However they have stated they have no connection to the Facebook page in question.
Email misusing the name of Cambridge Family Law Practice
Member sof the public have reported receiving emails on behalf of an Adam Moghadas through several email addresses from zoho.co.uk and yahoo.co.uk based accounts, claiming to be representing Cambridge Family Law Practice in connection with an unclaimed inheritance. They also list two contact numbers +44 116 326 4569 and +44 702 405 9523.
Whilst a genuine firm employs an individual of that name, both deny any connection to the emails in question. The mobile number ending in 9523 has also been the subject of previous fraud alerts.
Telephone call using the name “MTA Manchester” 0141 779 2280.
A member of the public has reported receiving calls from an “MTA Manchester” concerning a personal injury claim. The individual calls from the number
While MTA Solicitors is a genuine firm, they do not use the name “MTA Manchester”, and deny making any such telephone calls.
Emails claiming to be from “Barrister Smith Richmond Chamber”
The SRA have received reports of emails claiming to be from “Barrister Smith Richmond Chamber – Solicitors and Advocates”, in connection with supposedly making a payment to the recipient in relation to them being a “Planetromeo Award Winner” from an “Award Promotion”. The scam email states that before the recipient can receive their prize money by bank transfer or cheque, they are required to make a payment for either a “Commission of Transfer” or “Diplomatic Courier Delivery Company charges fee”.
The emails use the email address of attorney.smithrichmond.chamber@gmail.com, the telephone numbers +44 708 762 2857 and +44 703 197 4672 and a fax number of +44 702 408 5012. The SRA does not authorise any such firm. Richmond Chambers LLP, a genuine firm, deny any connection.
Imperium Law website www.any-claim.co.uk
The website “www.any-claim.co.uk” is operating which falsely claims to be a website for a firm of solicitors called “Imperium Law” personal claims specialists. The website offers the telephone numbers: 07711 294172 and 01202 640404 and the email addresses: “natalia@any-claim.co.uk” and “robert@any-claim.co.uk”. The website “www.any-claim.co.uk” is not the website for a genuine firm of solicitors. Imperium Law Solicitors Limited are a genuine firm but are unconnected tot he website.
Messages claiming to be from Quentin Poole of Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co LLP
Members of the piublic have reported receiving messages from a Quentin Poole of Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co LLP concernign a solar power project investment. The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm or individual operating from the email addresses of “quentin_poole.wragge@yahoo.com” or “quintinpoole47@gmail.com” and/or website address of “http://wragge-law.com/quentin-poole/”.
Whilst the website is the website of genuine firm Wragge Law, all other details are not. The firm and Quentin Poole, who is no longer regulated by the SRA but now works as a consultant, both say they are unconnected with the emails.
Scam emails misusing the Stephensons Solicitors LLP name
The SRA have reported seeing emails sent from “Karen Gorman” using the email address postmaster@isaziendale.com. The email also gives an address in Hammersmith, London, W6 0NB. The SRA does not authorise or regulate an individual called Karen Gorman.
Stephensons Solicitors LLP confirms that it does not have any connection with the fraudulent emails, nor does it employ anyone with the name “Karen Gorman”. The firm has posted a warning about hoax communications on its website.
Unsolicited telephone calls falsely using the name of Simpson Millar LLP
Telephone calls regarding a PPI claim have been reported using the name of Simpson Millar LLP, claiming to be from “Real Time Claims Advisory Group”. In one call the recipient was told that a solicitor called “Susan Williams” of “Simpson Millar” would visit them with a cheque for £4,000; while in another call persons calling themselves “Robert” and “Kenneth” told the recipient to make a payment of £650 by credit/debit card to obtain a settlement cheque of £8,500.
At least one of the above calls used the telephone number 0161 818 7265. Simpson Millar LLP is a genuine law firm which is authorised and regulated by the SRA. The genuine firm has confirmed that there is no-one by the name of Susan Williams employed by the firm and it has no connection with “Real Time Claims Advisory Group”. The firm have confirmed that they do not currently carry out any PPI claims and have posted a scam alert on their own website.
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.
