Alerts

Warning: Website claiming to be a law firm called 'VMT Law'

24 March 2022

The website 'www.vmt-law.com' is operating, claiming offer legal services.

What is the scam?

The website ' www.vmt-law.com' is operating, falsely claiming to offer Legal services with ‘specialist solicitors’ It also claims to have partners called ‘Robert Mertins’, ‘Nicolas Teller’, ‘Ema Teller’, ‘Marc von der Leye’, ‘Herbert Bachman’ and ‘Eric Harth’. It also gives the name of a genuine solicitor (see below)

The website provides telephone numbers of '00442039741524' and ‘0043720080436’ and email addresses of 'Office@vmt-law.com' and ‘vmt-law-office@protonmail.com. It also gives the postal address for of a number of genuine firms of solicitors see below).

The SRA has also been advised that emails have been sent referring to legal documents prepared by ‘Robert Mertins’ who is described as ‘Lawyer’ and ‘attorney-in-fact’. The email seen by the SRA appears to have been sent from the email address ‘robertmertins@vmt-law.com’, and also gives the telephone number ‘00442039741524’ together with the address for a number of genuine firms of solicitors (see below).

The SRA does not authorise and regulate a firm of solicitors called ‘VMT-LAW’ nor does it authorise or regulate solicitors called ‘Robert Mertins’ Robert Mertins, Nicolas Teller, Ema Teller, Marc von der Leye, Herbert Bachman and Eric Harth.

Any business or transaction through ‘VWT-LAW’ or the above website, email address, telephone numbers or individuals listed above, is not undertaken by a solicitor or firm authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA does authorise and regulate a genuine solicitor named David Beck however, he has confirmed he has no connection to the ‘VMT-LAW’ or the website referred to in the above alert.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a number of genuine firms of solicitors with the address 40 Bank Street, London, E14 5NR.

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.