Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp messages and emails misusing the name of Emma Ager of Clyde & Co LLP

13 June 2022

WhatsApp messages and emails misusing the name of Emma Ager of Clyde & Co LLP requesting payments of invoices.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that WhatsApp messages and emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Emma Ager of Clyde & Co LLP (see below) requesting payment for invoices.

The invoice seen by the SRA misuses the name and logo of the genuine firm (see below) and requests payment to a bank in Austria.

The SRA has also been informed that a non-disclosure agreement has also been sent to a member of the public, again purportedly from Emma Ager requesting their signature. 

The SRA understands that the WhatsApp messages were sent using the contact number '+447537175027' and the emails were sent from the email address 'emma.ager@clydecolawfirm.com'.

The WhatsAapp messages also misuse the photograph of a genuine solicitor (see below).

Any business or transaction through the above telephone number and email address are not undertaken by a solicitors' practice or by an individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Clyde & Co LLP.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Emma Ager who is a Partner at Clyde & Co LLP. The genuine email address for Emma Ager is emma.ager@clydeco.com and her telephone number is +44 (0) 20 7876 4491.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it nor the genuine Emma Ager have any genuine or intended connection to the WhatsApp messages and 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.