Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Woodwards Law Ltd

11 April 2023

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Megan Retford' of 'Woodwards Law Ltd' in respect of deposit funds for a conveyancing transaction.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Megan Retford' of 'Woodwards Law Ltd' requesting the transfer of deposit funds for a conveyancing transaction.

One email seen by the SRA asks the recipient to make a ‘test payment of £100’ and once receipt of payment is confirmed to transfer the funds according to the recipients ‘online daily limit.’ The email includes an attachment which claims to provide bank account details for ‘Woodward Trust’. However, these details are not genuine and the account name is different to that of the genuine firm. The email also falsely claims that Sireesha Gurram is a Director of the firm.

The emails seen by the SRA misuse the genuine email address and contact details of a genuine firm (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm called Woodwards Law Ltd (trading as Woodward Solicitors).

Megan Retford is a Paralegal at Woodwards Law Ltd. Her genuine email address is Megan.Retford@woodwardsolicitors.co.uk.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it or the genuine Megan Retford has a genuine or intended 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.