Alerts

Warning: Correspondence misusing the name of Clarke Willmott LLP

24 March 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Clarke Willmott LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent to a member of the public from an 'Eastman Moore' falsely claiming to be associated with 'Clarke Willmott LLP'. The emails are in relation to the supposed estate of a deceased relative.

The emails were sent from the email address 'eastmanmoore90@gmail.com'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate an individual called 'Eastman Moore'.

Any business or transactions done through 'Eastman Moore' or the email address 'eastmanmoore90@gmail.com' 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 Clarke Willmott LLP. Its genuine email addresses end in the domain '@clarkewillmott.com'.

Clarke Willmott LLP has confirmed it has no 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 (eg. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.