Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Sullivan & Cromwell MNP LLP

15 July 2022

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP requesting payments of supposed invoices.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent to members of the public claiming to be from a 'Whitney Chatterjee' and requesting payments of supposed invoices.

The emails seen by the SRA were sent using an email address of 'whitneychatterjee@sullivancrom.com' and falsely advise the recipient that an invoice remains unpaid and request settlement. The SRA understands that two further email addresses of 'whitneychatterjee@sullcromwells.com' and 'whitneychatterjee@sullivancro.com' have also been used for similar emails. 

The email misuses the names of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transactions through the email addresses of 'whitneychatterjee@sullivancrom.com', 'whitneychatterjee@sullcromwells.com' or 'whitneychatterjee@sullivancro.com' are not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Sullivan & Cromwell MNP LLP, which trades as Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. The firm's email domain ends with @sullcrom.com.

The genuine firm employs a genuine Whitney Chatterjee who is a Partner in the genuine firm’s New York office.

The genuine firm of Sullivan & Cromwell MNP LLP and the genuine Whitney Chatterjee have confirmed they do not have any 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.

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