Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Dechert LLP

18 June 2021

An email has been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Christopher Field' of Dechert LLP in respect of a non-disclosure agreement.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that members of the public have received an email falsely claiming to be from Christopher Field of Dechert LLP in respect of a non-disclosure agreement.

The email seen by the SRA was sent from the email address 'Christopher.field@dechert-ma.com'. The email signature also provides the telephone number of '+4474 1834 4110'. Some recipients of this email have received follow up phone calls from this individual claiming to be 'Christopher Field'.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

Dechert LLP is a genuine law firm authorised and regulated by the SRA.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a number of solicitors called Christopher Field, one of whom is a Member at the genuine firm of Dechert LLP and whose genuine email address is 'christopher.field@dechert.com' and whose genuine telephone numbers are '+44 20 7184 7830' and '+44 79 5040 2022'.

The genuine firm and genuine Christopher Field who works there have confirmed that they have no connection to the email 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.