Alerts

Warning: Emails and Whatsapp messages misusing the name of John Adams and Shearman & Sterling (London) LLP

21 December 2023

Emails and Whatsapp messages have been sent misusing the name of John Adams and Shearman & Sterling (London) LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails and Whatsapp messages have been sent misusing the name of a genuine solicitor and firm of solicitors (see below).

The emails were sent from 'john.adams@shearmansterling.net' and the Whatsapp messages were sent from 07920 764556.

Any business or transactions through 'john.adams@shearmansterling.net' or 07920 764556 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 a genuine firm of solicitors called Shearman & Sterling (London) LLP. The genuine firm's email domain ends in '@Shearman.com'.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a number of genuine solicitors called John Adams, one of whom is a partner at the genuine firm Shearman & Sterling (London) LLP. John Adams' genuine email address is John.Adams@Shearman.com.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it, nor its genuine John Adams has any 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.