Alerts
Warning: Emails misusing the name of Stephen Smith of Bristows LLP
16 December 2022
Emails have been sent to members of the public claiming to be from Stephen Smith of Bristows LLP regarding a supposed outstanding inheritance
What is the scam?
The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent to members of the public in relation to a supposed outstanding inheritance claim.
The email seen by the SRA advises the recipient that they have been “assigned as a beneficiary” and appears to have been sent from 'Mildred Sanchez, Para legal assistant to Mr. Stephen Smith'. The email appears to have been sent from the email address 'mildred.sanchez@cirec.org' and asks the recipient to contact the office of 'Stephen Smith' on 'ssmith.bristows@zohomail.com'.
The SRA does not authorise and regulate a solicitor called 'Mildred Sanchez'.
The SRA has also been advised that a 'National Identity Card' misusing the name and photograph of the genuine solicitor (see below) was sent to the recipient of one of the emails.
Another email seen by the SRA advises the recipient that they have the same name as the supposed deceased/client and request the recipient “to help get assets released” in the sum of “6.8 million”. The recipient is advised that the funds will be split with 70% going to the recipient and 30% to 'Stephen Smith'.
Any business or transactions through 'Mildred Sanchez' the email addresses 'mildred.sanchez@cirec.org' and 'ssmith.bristows@zohomail.com' 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 Bristows LLP. The firm's genuine email domain ends with @bristows.com.
The SRA also authorises and regulates a number of genuine solicitors called Stephen Smith, one of whom is a partner at Bristows LLP. His genuine email address is Stephen.smith@bristows.com. Stephen Smith has confirmed he is not a private client lawyer.
The genuine firm of Bristows LLP and the genuine Stephen Smith who is a partner there have confirmed that they do not 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.