Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Howells Legal Limited

30 April 2021

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Howells Legal Limited in respect of new bank details.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a member of the public has received emails falsely claiming to be from Mark Woloshak of Howells Legal Limited in respect of new bank details.

The emails were sent from 'mark.woloshak@howellsllegal.com' where an extra 'L' has been added to the word legal in the domain name.

The emails seen by the SRA misuse the email signature of the genuine solicitor, which includes a genuine email address and a genuine telephone number.  

Is there a genuine firm or person?

Howells Legal Limited is a genuine law firm authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Mark Woloshak is a genuine solicitor authorised and regulated by the SRA. The genuine email address for Mark Woloshak is 'mark.woloshak@howellslegal.com'.

The genuine firm have confirmed that it has no connection to the emails referred to 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.