Alerts
Warning: WhatsApp messages misusing the name of Caroline Dawson
21 January 2022
WhatsApp messages have been sent misusing the name of Caroline Dawson in relation to a supposed foreign acquisition.
What is the scam?
Initial messages purported to be from the CEO of a company, asking another manager to help with a supposedly confidential foreign acquisition. A contact number is then provided of '+44 7955 452715’ for the junior manager to supposedly contact ‘Caroline Dawson’ to arrange an initial payment.
The messages misuse the name of a genuine solicitor (see below).
Any business or transaction through the above contact number are not undertaken by a solicitor or solicitor's practice authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Caroline Dawson, who is a Partner at Clifford Chance LLP.
The genuine Caroline Dawson has confirmed that she does not have any connection to the WhatsApp messages referred to above.
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.
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