Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of CH. Hausmann & Co

14 December 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name of CH. Hausmann & Co in relation to a property transaction.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent misusing the name CH. Hausmann & Co in relation to a property transaction.

The emails were sent from the email address 'b.gettings@chhasumann.co.uk' and falsely claimed to be from 'Ben Gettings' (please see below).

The emails asked the recipient to send funds to bank account that is not associated to the genuine firm of solicitors (please see below).

The emails misuse the name, telephone number and postal address of CH. Hausmann & Co.

Any business or transactions through 'b.gettings@chhasumann.co.uk' is not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called CH. Hausmann & Co. The genuine firm's email domain ends in '@chhausmann.co.uk' (please note the placement of 's'). The genuine firm's head office address is 5 De Walden Court, 85 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6XD

The genuine firm confirmed that it does employ Ben Gettings who is a partner.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it, nor its genuine Ben Gettings has any 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.