Alerts

Warning: Emails and text messages misusing the details of a Linklaters partner and Linklaters LLP

6 May 2021

Emails and WhatsApp text messages have been sent misusing the details of a Linklaters partner and the name of Linklaters LLP.

What is the scam?

Individuals at companies and organisations have received emails that falsely claim to be from a partner of Linklaters LLP. The e-mails use the domain name "@link-latars.com". The emails contain the name of a Linklaters partner and Linklaters LLP, as well as the firm’s genuine address (see below for genuine details). The emails seen by the SRA relate to the payment of a deposit in connection with a business transaction and provide bank account details, not connected to Linklaters LLP. 

The SRA has also been informed that WhatsApp text messages have been sent from "+49 1521 787 8349". The messages are in connection with a foreign business transaction which requires action in the UK. The recipient is invited to contact the sender’s UK Linklaters lawyer on "+4420 4538 1474." 

Any business or transactions through any email address with the domain "@link-laters.com" or the telephone numbers "+4420 4538 1474" or "+49 1521 787 8349" 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 firm of solicitors called Linklaters LLP, whose head office is at One Silk Street, London EC2Y 8HQ. The head office telephone number is 020 7456 2000.

Genuine emails from Linklaters LLP use the domain '@linklaters.com.'

The genuine firm of Linklaters LLP has confirmed that neither the firm nor any of its solicitors have any connection to the emails referred to in the alert above.

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.