Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name Thomas and Thomas Solicitors Limited

24 March 2023

An email has been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Sandra Hutchings' of 'Thomas and Thomas Solicitors Limited' in respect of deposit funds for conveyancing transaction.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Sandra Hutchings' of 'Thomas and Thomas Solicitors Limited' in relation to a conveyancing transaction.

The email seen by the SRA claims to attach a document called the 'trust account details to transfer the deposit monies'. The email requests the recipient to make a 'test payment of £100' and includes an attachment claiming to provide bank account details for 'Sama Thomas & Thomas Service Ltd Trust'.

The email misuses the contact details of a genuine firm.

The email seen by the SRA appears to have been sent from a genuine email address associated with a genuine firm. It also misuses the contact details of that genuine firm (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm called Thomas and Thomas Solicitors Limited which has a branch office at 22 Commercial Street, Maesteg, Bridgend CF34 9DF. The firm's genuine email address for its conveyancing department in the Maesteg office is teamedavies@tandtlaw.co.uk and its fax number is 01656 736124.

Sandra Hutchings is a conveyancing assistant at Thomas and Thomas Solicitors Limited. Her genuine telephone number is 01656 733265.

The genuine firm has confirmed neither it nor the genuine Sandra Hutchings employed there has a genuine or intended 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.