Alerts
Warning: Correspondence falsely claiming to be from 'Mark Keeler' of Brachers LLP
17 December 2021
Emails and communications falsely claiming to be from a 'Mark Keeler' of Brachers LLP
What is the scam?
The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent to a member of the public, claiming to be from a 'Mark Keeler' (see below for details of a genuine solicitor of this name).
We understand that the correspondence supposedly related to helping the recipient to recover funds lost to another scam (but with further payment requested on account). We understand that when pushed for details, 'Mark Keeler' falsely claimed to work for Brachers LLP. The communications misuse the names of a genuine solicitor and a genuine firm (see below for details).
The SRA has seen one of the emails sent from the email address ‘markkeeler101@gmail.com’. This email provided a contact number of ‘+447368682826’ and provided (and misused) the address of the genuine firm (see below).
Any business or transaction through the above email address or phone number are not undertaken by a firm or an individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA does authorise and regulate a genuine solicitor called Mark Keeler, who is currently a non-practising solicitor. The genuine Mark Keeler has confirmed he has no connection to the email or correspondence referred to in the above alert.
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Brachers LLP, whose head office is at Somerfield House, 59 London Road, Maidstone, ME16 8JH. The firm’s telephone number is 01622 690691 and they can be contacted via email on info@brachers.co.uk.
The genuine firm of Brachers LLP has confirmed that they have no connection to the emails or correspondence 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.