Alerts

Warning: 'Standing Order' or 'Direct Debit' requests falsely purporting to involve Lewis Silkin LLP

12 April 2023

'Standing Order' and 'Direct Debit' requests falsely purporting to be for payments to Lewis Silkin LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that more than one member of the public has received notification from their bank or building society of an attempt to set up a 'Standing Order', or other charges, to someone misusing the name 'Lewis Silkin LLP'. 

The attempted transaction misuses the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below), with the known members of the public having had no previous dealings with the firm.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Lewis Silkin LLP.

Lewis Silkin LLP has confirmed that it has no genuine or intended connection to the requests for payments referred to in the above alert and they also confirmed that they do not set up direct debits and standing orders with any clients.

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.