Alerts
Warning: Emails misusing the name of Karen Hughes of 'Hogan Lovells LLP'
31 August 2022
Emails have been sent misusing the name of Karen Hughes of ‘Hogan Lovells LLP’, requesting payment of overdue invoices.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been informed that hundreds of emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Karen Hughes of 'Hogan Lovells LLP'.
The examples seen by the SRA request payment by the recipient of supposed outstanding invoices. In one particular example, alternate bank details were provided.
The emails appear to be sent from Karen Hughes of 'Hogan Lovells LLP' using a number of different email addresses:
karen.hughes@icg-advisor.com
karen.hughes@hoganlvllsllp.com
karen.hughes@hoganllvlpfs.com
k.hughes@ctfltd.onmicrosoft.com
karen.hughes@ctfltd.onmicrosoft.com
karen.hughes@hoganlovllp.com
The emails seen misuse the name of a genuine solicitor and logo and email address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).
Any business or transactions through the email address above are not undertaken by a firm of solicitors or by an individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Hogan Lovells International LLP. Its genuine website is www.hoganlovells.com.
The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Karen Hughes who is a solicitor at the genuine firm of Hogan Lovells International LLP. Her genuine email address is karen.hughes@hoganlovells.com.
The genuine firm has confirmed that it has no connection to the email referred to above.
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.