Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name 'Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP'

5 August 2021

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Alex Lewsley' of 'Thomson Snell & Passmore' in relation to a deposit of payment for a supposedly banking transaction.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent from an individual falsely claiming to be called 'Alex Lewsley' of 'Thomson Snell & Passmore' requesting a deposit of payment for a supposedly banking transaction.  Emails seen by the SRA also claim that 'Alex Lewsley' is a 'Barrister', 'Legal Practitioner / Head of Chamber' and 'Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Scotland'.

The email seen by the SRA was sent using an email address of 'Scotland-attorney@scotlandmail.com' and provides a further email of 'alex-lewsley@ts-p.co.uk' and a telephone contact number of '1322 422543 (ext.) 12'.

The email also misuses the name, postal address and fax number of a genuine firm of solicitors and the name of a genuine solicitor (see below).

Any business or transactions through the telephone number or email addresses above, are not undertaken by a solicitor's practice or an individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA does authorise and regulate a genuine firm of solicitors called Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP. The genuine firm has a branch office at Corinthian House Galleon Boulevard Crossways Business Park Dartford Kent DA2 6QE. The telephone number is 01892 510000 and the fax number is 01322 623701. The general email is info@ts-p.co.uk.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Alexander Lewsley, who is a solicitor at Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP.  His genuine email address is alex.lewsey@ts-p.co.uk

Both the genuine firm Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP and the genuine solicitor Alexander Lewsley have confirmed they have no connection to the emails referred to in the scam 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.