Alerts
Warning: Emails misusing the name of Medway Law Limited
7 October 2021
Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Medway Law Limited attaching a supposed 'Encrypted Contract'
What is the scam?
Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Medway Law Limited attaching a supposed ‘Encrypted Contract’. The email had the subject heading ‘Draft Contract and Additional enquires v2’. The SRA has been advised that the emails were sent on 30 September and 1 October 2021.
A concern is that the link may contain malware.
The email misuse the genuine name and address of a genuine firm of solicitors and the name of a genuine solicitor. The SRA has been advised that the emails also gave the telephone number 01634 826400 and fax number 01634 811077.
The emails also appear to be sent from the genuine email address for a genuine solicitor (see below).
Any business or transactions claiming to be through Medway Law Limited using the telephone number 01634 826400 and fax number 01634 811077 are not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorised and regulated a genuine firm of solicitors called Medway Law Limited trading as Medway Law Solicitors which ceased trading on 30 September 2021. The firm was based at Court Lodge Chambers Faversham Road Witching Sittingbourne Kent ME9 0DJ. The firm’s genuine telephone number was 01634 826400 and fax number was 01634 811036 and its SRA ID was 624714.
The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Christopher Ashby who was a Partner at Medway Law Limited. His genuine email address at the firm was chrisashby@medwaylaw.com.
The genuine Medway Law Limited and Christopher Ashby have confirmed that they have no genuine and 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.