Alerts

Warning: Correspondence sent from 'Katie Newnes' of 'Blakely and Haskell Group' falsely claiming to be authorised and regulated by the SRA

18 June 2021

Correspondence from 'Katie Newnes' of 'Blakely and Haskell Group' falsely claiming to be authorised and regulated by the SRA

What is the scam?

A member of public has been contacted online by 'Katie Newnes' of 'Blakely and Haskell Group'. The letter seen by the SRA appears to be a 'notice of cease and desist'.

The email address provided is 'BlakelyGroup@legislator.com', and the telephone number is '+44 (0) 7596 929617'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate an individual called 'Katie Newnes' or a firm of solicitors called 'Blakley and Haskell Group'.

Any business or transactions through 'Katie Newnes', 'Blakely and Haskell Group' or the contact details referred to above, are not undertaken by a solicitor's 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.