Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Warcup Law Firm Limited

26 November 2021

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Warcup Law Firm Limited requesting the recipient to click on a link to view documents.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Warcup Law Firm' with the subject heading 'Your Purchase Case'.

The email seen by the SRA contains a link which invites the recipient to view documents relating to a supposed conveyancing transaction.

The emails appeared to be sent from the genuine email address of a conveyancing assistant at the firm (see below) and misused her name and that of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

A concern is that the link may contain malware.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Warcup Law Firm Limited. The genuine address for the firm is Lloyds Bank Chambers, 24 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1TD. The genuine firm’s contact number is 01665606100, its fax number is 01665606200 and the firm’s website is www.warcuplawfirm.co.uk.

The genuine firm has confirmed that it employs an individual called Rachel Emerson who is an assistant to a conveyancer.

The genuine firm and Rachel Emerson have confirmed that they have no 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.