Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of 'RLE Law Practice Ltd' (trading as 'RLE Law') and 'Eve Corbett'

22 March 2024

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Eve Corbett' of 'RLE Law Practice Ltd' in respect of the transfer of deposit funds for conveyancing transactions.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Eve Corbett' of 'RLE Law Practice Ltd', requesting the transfer of deposit funds for conveyancing transactions.

The emails seen by the SRA claim to be from 'Eve Corbett', using the email address eve.corbett@rlelavv.com (two 'v's), and ask the recipients to transfer funds to bank accounts with names that differ to that of the genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

These emails misuse the name and details of a genuine firm of solicitors, and of a genuine individual named Eve Corbett (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm called RLE Law Practice Ltd. Genuine emails from the firm use the domain '@rlelaw.com' (a 'w').

Eve Corbett, who is regulated but not authorised by the SRA, works for the genuine firm. Her genuine email address is eve.corbett@rlelaw.com (a 'w').

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it nor the genuine Eve Corbett have any genuine or intended connection to the emails referred to in the above alert.

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.