Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name Thomas Flavell & Sons

21 December 2022

Emails falsely claiming to be from Charlotte Moore of Thomas Flavell & Sons, with a supposed link to documents.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent to members of the public falsely claiming to be from ‘Charlotte Moore’ of ‘Thomas Flavell & Sons’, prompting the recipients to click on a Drop Box link.

We understand that the emails were sent using the email address 'thomasflavellandsons@outlook.com'. The emails misuse the names of a genuine solicitor and firm (see below) and one concern is that the links may contain malware.

Any business or transactions through the email address 'thomasflavellandsons@outlook.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 a genuine firm or solicitors called Thomas Flavell & Sons Limited, trading as Thomas Flavell & Sons. The firm’s genuine email domain ends in '@thomasflavell.co.uk'.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Charlotte Moore who is employed by Thomas Flavell & Sons Limited. Her genuine email address is 'charlotte.moore@thomasflavell.co.uk'. 

Thomas Flavell & Sons Limited has confirmed that neither the firm nor the genuine Charlotte Moore has any 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.