Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Dechert LLP

8 June 2023

Multiple emails have been sent misusing the name of Dechert LLP in relation to supposed outstanding invoices.

What is the scam?

Multiple emails have been received by members of the public from an individual called 'Paul Hare' claiming to be from 'Dechert LLP' in relation to supposed outstanding invoices.

These emails were sent using an email address of 'paul.hare@dechert.uk' and provide a telephone number of '+44 75-3717-1579'.

These emails misuse the name and registered address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transactions through the emails of 'paul.hare@dechert.uk' and '+44 75-3717-1579' 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 Dechert LLP whose head office address is 160 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4QQ. The telephone number is 0207 1847000. The firm's genuine email domains end in @dechert.com.

The genuine firm Dechert LLP employed a former staff member called Paul Hare.

Dechert LLP and the genuine Paul Hare have confirmed they do 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.

More information

Update 12 June 2023

The SRA has been informed that a further similar email has been sent from an individual falsely claiming to be 'Caroline Frost' from 'Dechert LLP', in relation to a supposedly outstanding invoice.

This email was sent using an email address of 'caroline.frost@dechert.uk' and provides the same false telephone contact details of  '+44 75-3717-1579'. The email again misuses the name and registered address of the genuine firm.

Any business or transactions through the email address 'caroline.frost@dechert.uk' or the telephone number +44 75-3717-1579 is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

The genuine Dechert LLP has confirmed it does employ a genuine Caroline Frost as the firm’s Director of Administration. The genuine Caroline Frost’s email address ends with the domain '@dechert.com'.

The firm and the genuine Caroline Frost have confirmed they do not have any genuine connection to the email referred to in the above alert.