Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Herrington Carmichael LLP

28 April 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Herrington Carmichael LLP and provide fraudulent bank account details.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Herrington Carmichael LLP in relation to conveyancing transactions.

The emails request the recipients to transfer funds to an alternative bank account which differed to those of the genuine firm of solicitors. The emails misuse the name, contact details and logo of the genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The emails were sent from the email address of 'apqmichaellis@gmail'. The email address is not connected to the genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transactions through the email domain of 'apqmichaellis@gmail.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 of solicitors called Herrington Carmichael LLP, whose head office address is Building 2, Riverside Way, Watchmoor Park, Camberley, GU15 3YL. The firm’s genuine email domains end in '@herrington-carmichael.com' and '@hc.law'.

The firm has confirmed it has no 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.