Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Melanie Oxley of Lightfoots LLP

23 August 2022

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Melanie Oxley of Lightfoots LLP, allegedly providing new bank account details.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Melanie Oxley' of 'Lightfoots LLP' allegedly providing new bank account details in connection with a conveyancing transaction.

The emails seen by the SRA appear to be from the email address 'moxley@lightfoot.co.uk' and ask the recipient to transfer funds. The emails also provide the postal and website address for the genuine firm (see below).

Any business or transaction through the email address 'moxley@lightfoot.co.uk' is 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 Lightfoots LLP. Its genuine postal address is 1-3 High Street, Thame, OX9 2BX and its genuine website address is www.lightfoots.co.uk.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Melanie Oxley, who is a solicitor at the genuine firm of Lightfoots LLP. Her genuine email address is moxley@lightfoots.co.uk (please note the ‘s’ at the end of ‘lightfoots’).

The genuine firm of Lightfoots LLP has confirmed that neither it nor the genuine Melanie Oxley have any 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.