Alerts

Warning: Correspondence misusing the name of Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP

13 January 2023

Correspondence has been received falsely claiming to be from an employee of Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that correspondence has been received by a member of the public purporting to be from 'David Brown', an employee of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The letter seen by the SRA asked the recipient to pay sums of money in return for him assisting with the recovery of funds previously lost and preparing an affidavit.

The SRA has been informed that the branding and letterhead used for the correspondence bears no resemblance to the stationery for the genuine firm.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a number of genuine solicitors called David Brown, none of whom are employed by the genuine firm Reynolds Porter Chamberlain, and they are not thought to have any connection to the correspondence referred to in the above scam 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.