Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Boodle Hatfield LLP

25 October 2021

Emails from the domain “@boodlehatfield-lawfirm.com” misusing the name of Boodle Hatfield LLP.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent from an individual using the name ‘Frank Ansong’, falsely claiming to be a Barrister at ‘Boodle Hatfield LLP’ (see below for genuine firm details).  The emails ask the recipient to pay funds/fees to supposedly help a third party with a German tax or customs problem.

The emails seen by the SRA were sent from an email address of 'bh@boodlehatfield-lawfirm.com'.  They provide a telephone number of ’49 15753181702 and an address in Frankfurt, Germany, but misuse the name of a genuine firm of solicitors based in England (see below).

Any business or transactions through the email address or phone number above are not undertaken by a firm or 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 Boodle Hatfield LLP, whose head office is at 240 Blackfriars Road London SE1 8NW. The firm’s telephone number is +44 (0)20 7629 7411 and its genuine emails end with the domain name @boodlehatfield.com.

The genuine firm of Boodle Hatfield LLP has confirmed that they have no connection to the emails referred to in the above alert, have no office in Frankfurt as indicated in the emails and do not employ a staff member called Frank Ansong.

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.