Emails misusing the name of Simmons & Simmons LLP

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Simmons & Simmons LLP

19 September 2022

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Simmons & Simmons LLP in relation to a supposed unpaid invoice.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent purporting to be from an 'Emma Snell' misusing the name of Simmons & Simmons LLP in relation to a supposed unpaid invoice.

The emails were sent using an email address of 'emma.snell@simons-simmons.com', which misspells the name of the genuine firm.

The emails misuse the name of a genuine staff member at a genuine firm of solicitors (see below)

Any business or transaction through the email address of 'emma.snell@simons-simmons.com' is not undertaken by a solicitors' practice or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called Simmons & Simmons LLP. The genuine firm employs a genuine staff member called Emma Snell who is employed as a secretary at Simmons & Simmons LLP. Her email address is emma.snell@simmons-simmons.com.

The genuine firm Simmons & Simmons LLP has confirmed that it does not have any connection with the email 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 (eg. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.