Alerts

Warning: 'Alessio Maximellan LLP' is claiming to be a law firm

7 June 2023

'Alessio Maximellan LLP' is claiming to be a law firm in London.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a member of the public received emails from an individual called 'Barr Alessio Maximellan' claiming to be an 'Attorney-at-Law (Partner)' and Lawyer at 'Alessio Maximellan LLP' in relation to setting up an offshore account in UAE, in respect of a supposed contract worth millions to service gas pipes.

The email provides a telephone number of 'UK: +44756366848', and 'UAE: +971590212011'. The email claims to be an 'attache to' and also purports to be a 'Partner' of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

A document titled 'Offshore Account Assessment form' provides an address of '4 Stone Building, Lincolns Inn, London WC2A 3TH',

The SRA does not authorise and regulate a solicitor in the name 'Alessio Maximellan', or a firm of solicitors called 'Alessio Maximellan LLP'.

Any business or transaction through the above contact details are 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 Edwin Coe LLP. The genuine address is 2 Stone Buildings Lincoln's Inn London WC2A 3TH. The telephone number is 02076914000. The email domain ends with @edwincoe.com.

Edwin Coe LLP has confirmed they do not have any connection 'Alessio Maximellan LLP'.

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.