Alerts
Warning: Emails from 'PDM Legal' claiming to be a law firm
20 March 2023
Emails have been sent from 'PDM Legal' claiming to be a law firm regarding a supposed solar energy insurance claim.
What is the scam?
Emails have been sent to a member of the public from an individual claiming to be called 'Simon K.L Michaels' of 'PDM Legal' regarding a supposed insurance claim in respect of solar energy products.
One of the emails seen by the SRA states that liability has been accepted by an insurer and compensation will be given once a release fee of £750 has been paid by the recipient. Some of the emails also contain a link through which the recipient can make the payment.
The emails seen by the SRA appear to be sent from the email address of 'sklmichaels@mailfence.com'. They also provide an address of 338 City Road, London, EC1V 2PY and give the genuine SRA number for a genuine solicitor (see below).
The SRA does not authorise and regulate a firm of solicitors called 'PDM Legal'.
Any business or transaction through 'PDM Legal' or the email address 'sklmichaels@mailfence.com' are not undertaken by an authorised solicitor's practice or by an individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Simon Michaels whose genuine SRA number is 418212.
The genuine solicitor Simon Michaels has confirmed that he has no connection to the email 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.
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