Alerts
Warning: Emails sent misusing the name of 'ABS Lawyers Limited' and 'Charles Fleming'
24 February 2023
Emails have been sent misusing the name and logo of 'ABS Lawyers Limited' and the name 'Charles Fleming'.
What is the scam?
Emails have been sent misusing the name and logo of a genuine firm of solicitors and the name of a solicitor (see below).
The email seen by the SRA appears to relate to a conveyancing transaction and refers to a Land Registry deadline. It asks the recipient to open an attachment. A concern is that the this may contain malware if opened.
The email claims to be sent from 'Charles Fleming' and appears to have been sent from a genuine email address of a genuine firm (see below). It also gives the SRA ID number for the genuine firm (see below) but provides the address, 5a, Lincoln House, Crossroads Business Centre, Kirkham, Preston, PR4 2SH and mobile number '0345 450005'.
Another email seen by the SRA falsely claims to be from John Shirley & Co. The email claims to be from 'Charles Fleming' and was sent from the email address 'reception@johnshirleylaw.co.uk'. This email is titled 'Subject to Contract/Contract Denied' and contains an attachment. The concern is the attachment may contain malware.
The emails misuse the name and details of a genuine firm of solicitors and a genuine solicitor (see below).
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called ABS Lawyers Limited. Genuine emails from the firm use the domain '@abslawyers.co.uk' and its genuine phone number is 0345 450 5550. The SRA number for the genuine firm is 636753.
The SRA authorises a genuine solicitor called Charles Fleming.
The SRA also authorised and regulated a genuine firm of solicitors called John Shirley & Co which ceased trading on 1 October 2021.
The genuine firm of ABS Lawyers Limited and the genuine solicitor Charles Fleming have confirmed that they have no genuine or intended 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 (eg. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.