Alerts
Warning: Email misusing the name of Simmons & Simmons LLP
11 October 2022
An email has been sent misusing the name of Simmons & Simmons LLP in relation to a supposed unpaid invoice.
What is the scam?
An email has been sent purporting to be from a 'Victoria Channing' claiming to be a Partner at 'Simmons + Simmons LLP' in relation to a supposed unpaid invoice.
The email was sent using an email address of 'victoria.channing@simmonslegalllp.com'.
The email misuses the name of a genuine solicitor (see below).
Any business or transaction through the email address of 'victoria.channing@simmonslegalllp.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 firm email domain ends with @simmons-simmons.com.
The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Victoria Channing who was previously employed at the genuine firm Simmons & Simmons LLP.
The genuine firm Simmons & Simmons LLP and the genuine solicitor Victoria Channing have confirmed that they 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 (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.