Here are the latest scam alerts issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Emails claiming to be from a solicitor at “Stern & Co”
The SRA say emails have been sent claiming to be from a solicitor at “Stern & Co” and include a contract for review, requesting a response. The emails state that “Stern & Co” have an address 15 York Road, Liverpool, SL6 1SW, telephone numbers 01628 675 777 and +44(0)161 200 1700, and fax 41628 638666. They also state they are “Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No: 566789”.
The SRA number included is that of Andrew Brook Solicitors, a genuine firm who say they are not connected with these emails. The SRA do not regulate any firm by the name of Stern & Co, or from the address 15 York Road, Liverpool, SL6 1SW (which happens to be in Maidenhead, not Liverpool)
Fake legal firm website “www.chiverschambers.com”
A website has appeared claiming to be that of a legal firm providing legal services has appeared under the name of Chivers Chambers. The SRA say they regulate no such firm. The website uses names, images and details of authprised firms, although the SRA say they have “no reason to believe that the individuals who are authorised and regulated by us, and whose names, details and/or images have been used, have consented to their names, images or other details being used on this website”
The SRA say the website lists the email “info@chiverschambers.com” and postal address 29-33 King Street, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN1 1EL. While the postal address is that of Alker Ball Healds Solicitors, the SRA say they have said they have no legitimate connection to the website listed.
Emails claiming to be from Guy Abbiss at Abbis Cadres LLP
Members of the public have reported receiving emails falsely claiming to be from Guy Abbiss of Abbiss Cadres LLP in relation to the inheritance of a previously unknown relative.
The emails have been sent from “guyabbiss3@gmail.com” and “guyabbiss09@gmail.com.” and include the telephone number +44 787 2282 330.
Neither the genuine solicitor Guy Abbiss nor the firm at which he is a partner, Abbiss Cadres LLP say they are connected 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.
