Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Bracher Rawlins LLP

11 April 2023

An email has been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Bill Livermore' of Bracher Rawlins LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Bill Livermore' of Bracher Rawlins LLP.

The email seen by the SRA appears to relate to notice of an alleged claim for the return of a deposit in respect of a property licence renewal. It requested the return of a client's deposit and provided bank details, which are not those of the genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The email seen by the SRA was sent from the email address legal@prosecuk.com.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate an individual called 'Bill Livermore'.

Any business or transactions through 'Bill Livermore' or the email address 'legal@prosecuk.com' is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm called Bracher Rawlins LLP whose head office is in London. The firm’s genuine email domain ends in @bracherrawlins.co.uk.

Bracher Rawlins LLP has confirmed that it does not employ anyone called Bill Livermore and it has no connection to 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.