Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Weightmans LLP

15 September 2022

Emails have been sent misusing the names of Weightmans LLP and Mark Baker or Clive Bleasdale, requesting information.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent that falsely claim to be from Mark Baker or Clive Bleasdale of Weightmans LLP. The emails refer to a previous email supposedly sent, and state if the recipient has not received the previous email they should respond and it will be resent.

The emails seen by the SRA were sent using email addresses of 'mark@secure-weightmans.com', 'mark.baker@secure-weightmans.com' and 'c.bleasdale@secure-weightmans.com'. The emails also provided a telephone number of '7537 182 856'. The emails misuse the name and address of a genuine firm of solicitors and the names of genuine solicitors (see below).

Any business or transactions through the above email addresses or telephone number is not undertaken by a solicitors' practice or 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 Weightmans LLP. The head office is at 100 Old Hall Street Liverpool L3 9QJ. The telephone contact number is 0345 073 9900. The firm’s genuine email domain ends with @weightmans.com.

The SRA authorises and regulates genuine solicitors called Mark Baker and Clive Bleasdale who are Partners in Weightmans LLP.

Weightmans LLP and the genuine Mark Baker and Clive Bleasdale of Weightmans LLP have confirmed that they do not have any genuine connection to the emails 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.