Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Francesca Bennetts of Allen & Overy LLP

23 August 2022

An email has been sent misusing the name of Francesca Bennetts of Allen & Overy LLP, in respect of a demand for payment of an overdue invoice.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that another firm of solicitors has received an email, falsely claiming to be from Francesca Bennetts of 'Allen & Overy LLP'. The email relates to a supposed unpaid invoice and makes a demand for payment to avoid legal action.

The email appears to be sent from Francesca Bennetts of 'Allen & Overy LLP' however, using an email address of 'francesca.bennetts@allanovarry.com'.

The email misuses the genuine name and head office address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below). Any business or transactions through the email address above are not undertaken by a firm of solicitors 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 Allen & Overy LLP. Its head office address is One Bishops Square, London, E1 6AD. The contact telephone number is +44 20 3088 0000.

The genuine firm has confirmed that it has no connection to the email referred to 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.