Alerts

Warning: Telephone calls and social media messages misusing the name of Philip Devenish and Jones Day

12 April 2024

Telephone calls and social media messages have been made by an individual misusing the names of 'Philip Devenish' and 'Jones Day'.

What is the scam?

The SRA have been advised that telephone calls and social media messages have been made by an individual falsely claiming to be a lawyer called 'Philip Devenish' from 'Jones Day'. The telephone calls and messages were in relation to a supposed Bitcoin competition where the individual stated he was recovering stolen funds and requested payment in gift cards.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Jones Day. The genuine firm’s telephone number is 020 7039 5959.

The SRA authorises and regulates an individual called Philip Devenish, SRA number 660995, who is employed by the genuine firm.

The genuine firm and Philip Devenish have confirmed that they have no connection to 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.