Alerts

Warning: Email and website falsely claiming to for 'Willbrook Solicitors'

23 December 2021

A website is operating 'www.willbrooksolicitors.com' claiming to be a law firm.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent to a member of the public, claiming to be from 'Willbrook Solicitors', a financial and legal consultancy'. The document seen by the SRA claims to be sent by 'Matthew Ness' and informs the recipient that 'Willbrook Solicitors' have been appointed to monitor and conduct an investigation following the recipients' investment into a company.   

The letter also claims that 'Willbrook Solicitors' is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The document provides a telephone number of '0203 657 5077' an email address of 'info@willbrooksolicitors.com' and a website address of 'www.willbrooksolicitors.com'.

The website 'www.willbrooksolicitors.com' also provides a contact number of '+44 0330 043 4781' and a fax number of '+44 0203 657 5077'.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called 'Willbrook Solicitors', nor does it authorise or regulate a solicitor called 'Matthew Ness'.

Any business or transaction through 'Willbrook Solicitors', the above website and contact details are not undertaken by a solicitors' practice or by an individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

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.