Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp messages misusing the name of Philip Gardner of Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP

5 May 2022

A member of the public has received WhatsApp messages falsely claiming to be from Philip Gardner at Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP

What is the scam?

WhatsApp messages have been sent falsely claiming to be from Philip Gardner of 'Peters & Peters' or 'Peters & Peters Agency' (see below for details of the genuine solicitor and firm).

The messages relate to supposedly helping the recipient recover funds that were previously lost in 'trading activity'. The email claims that the sender has collaborated with the Financial Conduct Authority ('FCA') and requests the recipient to provide 'prove (sic) about transactions with scam companies'.

The messages appear to be from the telephone number '+44 7466351398' and also falsely misuse a link to the website address for the genuine firm (see below)

Any business or transaction through the above contact number or 'Peters & Peters Agency' is not undertaken by a solicitor or solicitor's practice authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 525192). The general telephone number for the firm is 0207 822 7777 and the correct website address for the firm is 'www.petersandpeters.com'.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor named Philip Gardner (SRA ID: 638475), who is a solicitor at Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP.

The genuine firm, Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP has confirmed that neither the firm nor the genuine Mr Gardner have any genuine connection to the messages 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.