Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Porter Dodson LLP

16 December 2022

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Tanya Hopkins of Porter Dodson LLP advising recipients that a new file has been shared with them.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed  that emails have been sent to various individuals falsely claiming to be from 'Tanya Hopkins' of 'Porter Dodson LLP'.

The email seen by the SRA advises the recipient that “Tanya Hopkins shared a file with you” and requests the recipient to open the file. The concern is that the attachment link may request the recipient to provide confidential information or contain malware.

The SRA has also seen an email misusing the name of 'Tanya Hopkins', advising the recipient to make a transfer of funds to an alternative bank account in respect of a conveyancing transaction.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Porter Dodson LLP. Tanya Hopkins is a Legal Adviser at the genuine firm and her email address is Tanya.Hopkins@porterdodson.co.uk.

The genuine firm of Porter Dodson LLP has confirmed that neither it nor Tanya Hopkins have any intended or genuine 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.