Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp messages sent from 'Paull Burness Solicitors'

4 November 2022

WhatsApp messages have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Paull Burness Solicitors' in relation to a supposed visa application for employment.

What is the scam?

WhatsApp messages have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Paull Burness Solicitors' in relation to a supposed visa application for employment.

The messages were sent from an individual called 'Amanda' using a WhatsApp number of '+44 7459 398676'.

The SRA has been advised that the messages also providedemail addresses of 'documents@mail2amanda.com' and 'AWS.intervservice@proton.me' requesting payment of 'legal and process fees' and a copy of the recipient's CV and passport.

The website 'www.immigrationsolicit9.wixsite.com/burnesspaullllp' was also operating falsely claiming to be for a firm of solicitors.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called 'Paull Burness Solicitors'.

Any business or transaction through the website of 'www.immigrationsolicit9.wixsite.com/burnesspaullllp' or the above telephone number or email addresses are not undertaken by a firm or solicitor authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called Burness Paull LLP based in Scotland. (The SRA understands that the firm is also regulated by the Law Society of Scotland). The genuine telephone number is 0131 473 6000 and the website is at www.burnesspaull.com. The email domain ends with @burnesspaull.com.

The genuine firm Burness Paull LLP has confirmed it does not have any connection with the Whatsapp 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.

More information

Update 10 November 2022

The SRA has been informed that another member of the public has received contact from an individual called 'Charles Aidoo', claiming to be a supervisor and paralegal at the genuine firm of solicitors.

The genuine firm Burness Paull LLP has confirmed they no not employ an individual called 'Charles Aidoo'.