Alerts

Warning: Telephone calls misusing the name of Simmons & Simmons LLP

5 November 2021

Telephone calls have been made misusing the name 'Simmons & Simmons LLP' in respect of alleged American and Canadian lottery wins.

What is the scam?

Members of the public have received telephone calls falsely claiming to be from 'Simmons & Simmons LLP' in respect of an alleged American lottery win. The SRA has been advised that the caller claims that the recipient of the call has won an American or Canadian lottery and have 15 days to claim.

The SRA has been further advised that at least one of the calls was from an individual claiming to be called 'Matthew Perry' of 'Simmons & Simmons LLP'.

The SRA understands that the number the fraudsters used to call the recipient was '001 315 31 61 116' and the recipient was asked to call back on '0161 818 9993'.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The genuine firm Simmons & Simmons LLP has confirmed that it does not have any connection with the telephone calls referred to in the above alert.

The SRA also authorises and regulates several genuine solicitors called Matthew Perry.  It is believed none of the genuine Matthew Perrys have any connection with the telephone calls 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.