Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the names 'Dean Wilson LLP'

27 July 2023

Emails have been sent to members of the public misusing the name of Dean Wilson LLP

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Dean Wilson LLP in relation to a conveyancing transaction.

The SRA has been advised that the emails use the domain '@deanwilsonss.co.uk', '@deanwilsons.co.uk' and '@deanwilsson.com' and contain malicious links which purport to enable access to conveyancing transaction information. Emails seen by the SRA ask the recipient to refer to a letter with initial documentation and draft contract which are password protected. A telephone number of '01273 009272' and fax number of '01273 000913' is also provided. The emails misuse the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transaction through the domain names '@deanwilsonss.co.uk', '@deanwilsons.co.uk' and '@deanwilsson.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 Dean Wilson LLP whose address is Ridgeland House, 165 Dyke Road, Brighton, BN3 1TL. The genuine firm’s telephone number is 01273 249200 and fax number is 01273 770913. The email domain for the firm is @deanwilson.co.uk.

The genuine firm of solicitors Dean Wilson 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.

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.