Alerts

Warning: 'ALEX SMITH LLP SOLICITORS' falsely claiming to be a law firm

22 June 2022

Correspondence has been sent to a genuine law firm falsely claiming to be from a law firm called 'ALEX SMITH LLP SOLICITORS'.

What is the scam?

A genuine firm of solicitors received a number of emails claiming to be from 'Amanda Bull', described as a Consultant Solicitor at Alex Smith & Co.

The emails appear to be sent from amanda@alex-smith.co.uk, and contained attachments, described by the sender as 'letter with draft contract and other additional documents'.

The email footer states 'ALEX SMITH LLP SOLICITORS is a firm of solicitors and conducts its business from 10 Hendon Lane, N3 1TR.' It also states its regulation number is 645734. This misuses the address and SRA number of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The SRA does not authorise and regulate a firm of solicitors called 'Alex Smith & Co' or 'ALEX SMITH LLP SOLICITORS', nor does it authorise or regulate any solicitor called 'Amanda Bull'.

Any business or transactions through 'ALEX SMITH LLP SOLICITORS', someone claiming to be a solicitor 'Amanda Bull' or the above contact details 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 Newman Law LLP (SRA number 645734), which has a head office at 10 Hendon Lane, London, N3 1TR.

The genuine Newman Law LLP has confirmed it has no connection to the correspondence referred to in this 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.