Alerts

Warning: Email from 'David Lee & Co. Solicitors LLP'

24 February 2023

An email has been sent claiming to be from 'David Lee & Co. Solicitors LLP' attaching a revised memorandum of sale and an overdue invoice.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that an email has been sent claiming to be from 'David Lee' a 'partner' at 'David Lee & Co. Solicitors LLP' attaching a revised memorandum of sale and an overdue invoice. The recipient is advised to view the attached files.

The email seen by the SRA was sent from the email address 'elizarraga@cyamex.com'.

The concern is that the attachments may contain malware.

Any business or transaction through 'David Lee & Co. Solicitors LLP' or through the email address 'elizarraga@cyamex.com' is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises a number of solicitors called David Lee. The genuine solicitors are believed to have no connection to the email referred to in the above alert.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called David Lee Law Limited which has confirmed it has no 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 (eg. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.