Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Ian Williamson of Wards Solicitors LLP

16 February 2022

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Ian Williamson in respect of a supposedly unclaimed inheritance.

What is the scam?

The SRA understands that emails have been received by several members of the public, claiming to have been sent by 'Ian Williamson' of 'Ward Solicitors LLP'. The emails relate to a supposedly unclaimed inheritance scam. They misuse the name of a genuine solicitor and use a name very similar to the name of his genuine firm (see below).

Emails appear to be sent from the email addresses; 'ianwillamson@outlook.com' and 'barrmcconnellrichard@gmail.com' and falsely claim to be from a genuine firm. The SRA has been informed that some correspondence also misused a photo of a genuine solicitor.

Any business or transactions through the above email addresses 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 several genuine solicitors called Ian Williamson, including one who is a Partner at Wards Solicitors LLP whose genuine email address is ian.williamson@wards.uk.com.

The genuine Mr Ian Williamson of Wards Solicitors LLP, and the firm, have confirmed that they have no genuine or intended connection to the emails referred to in the above alert.

None of the other genuine solicitors named Ian Williamson are believed to have any connection to the above matters.

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.