Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Elite Law Solicitors Limited

19 January 2022

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from a Solicitor at Elite Law Solicitors Limited, attaching a document which may contain malware if opened.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent to businesses, claiming to be from a Solicitor of Elite Law Solicitors Limited (see below) via WeTransfer.

The subject of the email seen by the SRA advises the recipient ‘there was a problem sending Payment Notification’. The recipient is then advised to ‘find attached proof of payment for tiles outstanding invoice’. The concern is that the attachment may contain malware if opened.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Elite Law Solicitors Limited as well as the Solicitor in question. The firm can be contacted on info@elitelawsolicitors.co.uk.

The genuine firm of Elite Law Solicitors Limited and the Solicitor in question have confirmed they have no 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.