Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Slaughter and May

14 December 2023

Emails have been sent to members of the public claiming to be from Slaughter and May in relation to an unpaid invoice.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent to businesses purporting to be from a Partner at a genuine firm of solicitors (see below). The SRA has been advised that the wording of the emails suggests that the firm is chasing for payment of unpaid invoices on behalf of a client.

The emails are said to have been sent from email addresses ending with the domain names '@slaughterandnmay.com' and '@slaughtersandmay.com'.

Any business or transaction through email addresses ending with the above domain names is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called Slaughter and May. The firm’s email domain ends with @slaughterandmay.com.

The genuine firm of Slaughter and May has confirmed that it has no connection with 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.