Alerts
Warning: Emails from 'BARR Richmond Webber' and website for Elite Group LLC claiming to be a law firm.
3 February 2023
Emails have been sent from 'BARR Richmond Webber in respect of a transfer of funds. The website 'www.elitegroupllc.co' is also operating.
What is the scam?
Emails have been received by a member of the public purporting to be from 'BARR Richmond Webber, Senior Partner- Elite Attorneys'.
The emails seen by the SRA appear to request the recipient to transfer funds into a bank account to help the release of an individual purportedly detained by Turkish immigration.
The emails seen by the SRA appear to be sent from the email address 'BarristerRichmondChambers@proton.me'. Other contact details are provided: 'barristerrichmondchambers@L@&groupllc.co' and 'info@L&Ggroupllc.co' together with telephone numbers '+44 741 8397936' and '+1 512-489-7911'.
The email also provides the web address for 'www.elitegroupllc.co'. The website claims that 'Richmond Webber' is a partner at Elite Group and that 'Andrew Steinfield', 'Tom Adams' and 'Julia Jameson' are lawyers at the firm. It also claims to be based at 1 Plough Place, London.
The SRA does not authorise or regulate individuals called 'Richmond Webber', 'Andrew Steinfield' or 'Julia Jameson' nor does it authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called Elite Group LLC.
Any business or transaction through a firm called 'Elite Group LLP', or individuals called 'BARR Richmond Webber', 'Andrew Steinfield' or 'Julia Jameson or the emails addresses or telephone numbers referred to above is not undertaken by a solicitors' practice or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Richmond Chambers LLP.
The SRA also authorises and regulates a number of solicitors called Thomas Adams, none of whom are believed to the involved with the emails or website referred to in the above alert.
The genuine firm of Richmond Chambers LLP has confirmed it does not have any connection to the emails or website 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.