Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Donald Race & Newton Solicitors

4 June 2021

Emails have been sent misusing the name 'Neil Shoesmith' of 'Donald Race & Newton Solicitors'.

What is the scam?

The SRA understands that emails were sent to members of the public falsely claiming  to be from Neil Shoesmith of Donald Race & Newton Solicitors.

The email seen by the SRA appears to have been sent from the email address 'NS@drnlaw.co.uk' and the subject is given as 'Title Documents, Correspondence and Redemption Statement'.

The recipient of the email is asked to click on a link to 'Open Secure Message'.  A concern is that the link may contain malware and should not be accessed.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Donald Race & Newton Solicitors Ltd.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Neil Shoesmith who is an employee at Donald Race & Newton Solicitors Ltd and whose genuine email address is ns1@drnlaw.co.uk.

The genuine firm have confirmed that neither the firm nor Neil Shoesmith had any genuine or intended connection to the emails 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.