Alerts
Warning: Phishing emails falsely claiming to be from S D Rosser & Co
9 May 2024
Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from S D Rosser & Co.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been advised that email has been sent from an individual falsely claiming to be an employee of a genuine firm of solicitors in relation to a conveyancing matter.
The emails seen by the SRA misused the name and details of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below). The initial email seen provided false details of a supposed 'trust account' within an attachment and requested a test payment. The account details provided were not genuinely associated with the genuine firm of solicitors.
We understand that the emails were 'spoofed', to falsely look as if they were originating from a genuine member of staff at the genuine firm. However, in addition the emails seen also copied in another supposed email account of a fee-earner using the false email domain '@dsrosser.co.uk', to which any reply would not be received by the genuine firm.
Any emails copying in or received from an email address using the domain '@dsrosser.co.uk' are not genuinely connected to a genuine firm or solicitor.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called S D Rosser & Co. Its genuine address is 25 High Road, Willesden Green, London, NW10 2TE. The genuine contact number for S D Rosser & Co is 020 8451 3848.
The genuine firm employs a staff member called Chyna Williams, who is a conveyancing assistant at the firm. Her genuine email address is cwilliams@sdrosser.co.uk.
The genuine firm and its genuine Chyna Williams have confirmed that they had no intended and genuine 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.