Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Nigel Hunt at Thompson Leatherdale

14 December 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Nigel Hunt at Thompson Leatherdale.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent purporting to be from Nigel Hunt requesting a transfer of funds. If the recipient responded to the email, a further email would be sent containing fake bank details.

The email was sent using the email address of nhunt@thompsonleatherdale.com.

The email misuses the name of a genuine solicitor and firm.

Any business or transactions through the email address above 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 genuine firm called Thompson Leatherdale which operates the domain name '@thompsonleatherdale.co.uk'.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Nigel Hunt SRA number 118326 who is a Sole Practioner at Thompson Leatherdale. His genuine email address is nhunt@thompsonleatherdale.co.uk.

Mr Hunt has confirmed that he or the firm does not have any genuine or intended 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.