Alerts

Warning: Invoices misusing the name of J F Mitchell & Co

8 April 2024

Invoices have been sent misusing the name of J F Mitchell & Co regarding escrow accounts.

What is the scam?

Invoices have been sent to some companies supposedly from 'J F Mitchell & Co', falsely chasing payment regarding escrow accounts.

The false invoices misused the address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The false invoices also provided details of a bank account, that we understand is not associated with the genuine firm of solicitors.

The telephone number provided on the invoice was '+44 845 5917753'.

Any business or transactions through the telephone number '+44 845 5917753' is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorised and regulated a firm of solicitors called J F Mitchell & Co. Its address was Old Vicarage, Bull Lane, Langley Upper Green, Saffron Walden, CB11 4SA. The firm ceased trading in March 2023.

The genuine firm has confirmed it has no connection to the invoices referred to in the alert above.

What should I do?

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.