Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Nicholsons Solicitors LLP

10 February 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name and logo of Nicholsons Solicitors LLP.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent misusing the name and logo of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The email seen by the SRA was sent by an 'Anne Skinatcha' and requests the recipient to settle an overdue statement and threatens legal action.

The SRA has been informed that the email was sent from the email address 'sales@valbruna.org' and may also contain a link. A concern is that the link may contain malware if opened.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate an individual called 'Anne Skinatcha'.

Any business or transactions through 'Anne Skinatcha' or 'sales@valbruna.org' are 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 Nicholsons Solicitors LLP.

Genuine emails from Nicholsons Solicitors LLP end with the domain name '@nicholsonslaw.com'.

The genuine firm of Nicholsons Solicitors LLP has confirmed it has no genuine or intended connection to the emails or individual 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.