Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Christopher Bryan and WTB Solicitors LLP

28 July 2023

Emails have been sent to members of the public misusing the name of Christopher Bryan of WTB Solicitors LLP.

What is the scam?

Members of the public have received emails that falsely claim to be from a solicitor, Christopher Bryan using the email addresses 'chris.bryan@wtbsolicitor.com' and 'admin@oasislodgings.com'. The emails misuse the name of a genuine solicitor and firm of solicitors (see below).

The SRA has been advised that the emails purporting to be sent from Christopher Bryan ask the recipient to confirm receipt of the email by emailing 'chris.bryan@wtbsolicitor.com' or 'chris@wtbprobate.com'.

Any business or transaction through the email addresses 'chris.bryan@wtbsolicitor.com', 'admin@oasislodgings.com' and 'chris@wtbprobate.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 and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called WTB Solicitors LLP, whose address is 1st Floor, 601 Stockport Road, Manchester M13 0RX. The email domain for the firm is '@wtbsolicitors.com'.

The genuine firm of solicitors WTB Solicitors LLP has confirmed that neither the firm nor any of its solicitors have any genuine connection to the emails referred to in the alert above.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Christopher Bryan (SRA ID: 124348) who has confirmed that he does not have any 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 (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.