Alerts

Warning: Emails and website of 'Robert John Solicitors LLP', misusing the name of Robert John

1 June 2021

Correspondence and website from 'Robert John Solicitors LLP', misusing the name of Robert John.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent claiming to be from 'Robert John' of 'Robert John Solicitors LLP' (see below in relation to a genuine solicitor). 

The email seen by the SRA appears to have been sent from the email address 'robertjohn@rjsolicitorsllp.com' and relates to a supposedly large inheritance of someone with the same surname as the recipient.

A website of 'https://www.rjsolicitorsllp.com/' is also operating, claiming to be the website for a law firm called 'Robert John Solicitors LLP' and providing a contact number of '+44 745 971 8691'.  The website has provided addresses in Newcastle Upon Tyne and also in Canada.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm called 'Robert John Solicitors LLP' but the website misuses the SRA number of a genuine solicitor (see below).  

Any business or transactions through the email address 'robertjohn@rjsolicitorsllp.com', or through 'Robert John Solicitors LLP' and the associated website or contact numbers, are not undertaken by a solicitor's practice authorised and regulated by the SRA or by an individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Robert John, who works for Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP.  His genuine SRA ID number is 441706 and his genuine email address is robert.john@rpc.co.uk

The genuine solicitor Robert John has confirmed that he has no connection to the emails or website 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.