Alerts
Warning: Correspondence misusing the name of Matthew Allen
29 August 2023
Correspondence misusing the names of Matthew Allen and Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, in relation to the release of high value funds.
What is the scam?
This scam is impacting the public globally. Members of the public have been contacted by an individual falsely purporting to be 'Matthew Allen' of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP. The SRA understands that the correspondence relates to supposedly paying large sums of money to the member of the public, usually from a fictitious 'inheritance fund', in exchange for payment.
Correspondence is usually received by email, and an invoice requesting payment from the member of the public is sent. The invoice uses Matthew Allen's name.
The following email addresses are associated with the scam, they are not email addresses used by the genuine person or firm:
- evershedsutherlandsolicitors@consultant.com
- mathewallen@evershedssu-therland.com
- evershelds_solictors@legislator.com
- mathewallen@evershedsutherlands.co
- evershedsuthersolicitorsland@aol.com
- evershedsuthersolicitorsland@consultant.com
- evershedsutherlanduk803@consultant.com
- evershedsuthersolicitorsland@aol.com
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Matthew Allen. He is a Partner at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and his SRA number is 17973.
The SRA also authorises a genuine firm of solicitors called Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, whose London office is based at One Wood Street, London, EC2V 7WS, England.
The genuine Matthew Allen and Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP have confirmed they do not have any connection to the correspondence 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.