Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of 'Alexander & Co Solicitors LLP'

24 March 2023

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Kate Barry' of 'Alexander & Co Solicitors LLP' advising recipients that a new file has been shared with them.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent to various individuals falsely claiming to be from 'Kate Barry' of 'Alexander & Co Solicitors LLP'.

The email seen by the SRA advises the recipient that 'Kate Barry shared a file with you' and requests the recipient to open the file titled 'Alexander & Co Solicitor Llp.' The concern is that the attachment link may request the recipient to provide confidential information or contain malware.

The email appears to be sent from a genuine email address of a firm (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm called Alexander & Co Solicitors LLP.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Katharine Barry who is employed at Alexander & Co Solicitors LLP and whose genuine email address is kate.barry@aandco.co.uk.

Alexander & Co Solicitors LLP have confirmed that neither it nor the genuine Katharine Barry has any genuine or intended connection with the email referred to 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 (eg. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.