Alerts

Warning: Email from Nicola Kersey claiming to be from Hetheretons Solicitors

7 August 2023

An email has been received by a firm of solicitors. Within the email, the sender invites the recipient to electronically sign a redemption statement.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that a firm of solicitors has received an email from an individual purporting to be Nicola Kersey from Hetheretons Solicitors. The email was sent from the address nk@hetheretons.com.

The email requested the electronic signature of a redemption statement.

The email contained a PDF document and a link to open the document online.

Any business or transaction through nk@hetheretons.com is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a solicitor by the name of Nicola Kersey.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called Hetheretons Solicitors.

The SRA does authorise and regulate a genuine firm of solicitors called Hethertons Solicitors Limited. The genuine address of the firm is Tudor Court, Opus Avenue, York Business Park, Nether Poppleton, YORK, YO26 6RS. Telephone number: 01904 528200.

The firm’s genuine email domain ends with @hethertons.co.uk and its website address is https://www.hethertons.co.uk/

Hethertons Solicitors Limited has confirmed it has no connection with the email nk@hetheretons.com.

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.