Here are the latest scam alerts as issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
Emails from “Overholt Sales Limited” claiming SRA regulation and authorisation
Emails have been sent claiming to be from a firm named “Overholt Sales Limited” which claim they are regulated and authorised by the SRA. The emails carry an attachment containing details of a property which may link to malware.
The emails come from “Yvonne Grant, Conveyancing Executive” using email “overholt.info@gmail.com” and state they have the SRA number 48050.
The firm who use that number say they are unconnected with these emails. The SRA say they do not regulate any Yvonne Grant
Unsolicited calls from a “Claim Time Solicitors”
A member of the public has reported receiving a call claiming to be from a “Claim Time Solicitors” in relation to a motor accident, using contact number 020 6000 0321 and the postcode SW18 4DP.
Whilst Claim Time Solicitors is a genuine firm, they ceased trading in 2006. Claim Time Limited are also a genuine firm but say they have no connection with these calls and do not have an address in SW18 4DP.
Emails claiming to be from Edward Hands & Lewis Solicitors
The SRA say they have seen emails claiming to be from Edward Hands & Lewis Solicitors that also misuse the name of Reliance Solicitors.
A client of Edward Hands & Lewis Solicitors has reported receiving emails misusing the details of EHL. The email appears genuine but comes from ashley.patel@reliancesolicitor.co.uk.
The email falsely provides incorrect bank account details and requests that the client pay money to that account, in respect of the deposit for a genuine conveyancing transaction.
Reliance Solicitors Limited, EHL and the Ashley Patel genuinely employed by EHL have confirmed that they have no legitimate connection with the email or email address referred to in the above alert.
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.
