Alerts

Warning: Email from 'Velvex Solicitors LLP' misusing the SRA ID of a genuine solicitor

14 December 2022

An email has been sent from 'Velvex Solicitors LLP' with an attachment that may contain malware

What is the scam?

An email has been sent claiming to be from a law firm named Velvex Solicitors LLP. The SRA does not regulate a law firm by this name.

The email seen by the SRA was sent to a law firm we regulate in relation to a purported conveyancing transaction and contained a .html file entitled ‘Revised Contracts’. There is a concern that the file may contain malware.

The email was sent from the email address ‘noreply@src.sx’ and contained the following footer: “Velvex Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (Registration Number 618444) and is registered in England and Wales”. We do not regulate a firm by the name of Velvex Solicitors LLP and the SRA ID used does not correspond to a regulated entity by that name (see below).

Any business or transactions undertaken through the email address ‘noreply@src.sx’ or by Velvex Solicitors LLP are 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 solicitor named Mr Thomas Doyle whose SRA ID is 618444.

Mr Thomas Doyle has confirmed that he has no genuine or intended connection to the email correspondence 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.