Alerts
Warning: Emails misusing the name of Attwells Solicitors LLP
30 May 2022
Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Attwells Solicitors LLP'
What is the scam?
Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Justin Howlett' at 'Attwells Solicitors LLP'
The emails seen by the SRA appear to be sent from the email address 'justin.howlett@atwellsolicitors.co.uk' and appear to relate to unpaid fees allegedly owing to a commercial property agent.
The SRA has also been advised that further emails have been sent from an individual claiming to be called 'Laura Smith' in connection with a property transaction. The emails seen by the SRA appear to be sent from the email address 'laura.smith@attwells.com'.
These emails also misuse the name, email footer, web address, postal address and contact number for the genuine firm (see below).
The SRA does not authorise a regulate a solicitor called 'Justin Howlett'.
Any business or transactions through and individual named 'Justin Howlett', the email address 'justin.howlett@atwellsolicitors.co.uk' or other emails ending with the domain '@atwellsolicitors.co.uk' or the email address 'laura.smith@attwells.com are not undertaken by a solicitors' practice or an individual authorised or regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Attwells Solicitors LLP whose head office address is Sun Buildings, 35-37 Princes Street, Ipswich, IP1 1PU. It also has offices in London and Colchester. The firm’s genuine telephone number is 01473 229200.
The firm’s genuine email domain ends with '@attwells.com' and the genuine website for the firm is www.attwells.com.
The firm has confirmed it does not have genuine employees called Justin Howlett or Laura Smith and it has no genuine or intended connection to the emails referred to in the above alert.
The SRA also authorises and regulates a number of genuine solicitors called Laura Smith, none of whom are believed to have any genuine or intended connected 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.