Alerts
Warning: Invoices misusing the name of James Bainbridge and AWH Acquisition Corp trading as Cartwright King
29 March 2023
Invoices have been sent misusing the name of James Bainbridge and AWH Acquisition Corp trading as Cartwright King in relation to supposed outstanding legal fees.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been informed that invoices have been sent to a third party claiming to be from 'James Bainbridge' at AWH Acquisition Corp which trades as Cartwright King. The invoice relates to supposed outstanding legal fees and has the address 5th Floor, Eldon Chambers, 30-32 Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 1 AA.
The invoices misuse the name, logo and former address of a of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below). The invoices also misuse the name of James Bainbridge.
One invoice refers to consultations having taken place with 'Saunders Law'. The SRA has been advised that the invoice was sent using the email address 'Matthew Purcell via DocuSign' (see linked scam alert below).
Any business or transactions through the email address 'dse@eumail.docusign.net' 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 AWH Acquisition Corp which trades as Cartwright King. The genuine firm's address is One Cathedral Square, First floor, Blackburn BB1 1FB.
The firm's former London address was 5th Floor, Eldon Chambers, 30-32 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1AA.
AWH Acquisition Corp employs a genuine staff member called James Bainbridge.
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Matthew Purcell who is employed at the genuine firm of solicitors called Saunders & Partners LLP.
AWH Acquisition Corp, James Bainbridge and Matthew Purcell have confirmed they do not have any connection to the invoices 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 (eg. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.
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