Alerts

Warning: Emails falsely claiming to be from Brighouse Wolff

17 May 2023

Emails falsely claiming to be from Brighouse Wolff have been sent from false email domains requesting funds for a conveyancing transaction.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Dianne Smith of Brighouse Wolff, requesting the transfer of conveyancing deposit funds and providing details of bank accounts other than that of the genuine firm (see below).

We understand that the emails have been 'spoofed' so that they falsely appear to have originated from a genuine email address but with replies being sent to an email address using an email domain name ending with '@brighouse-wollff.co.uk (with two Ls).

Any business or transaction through emails using a domain name ending with '@brighouse-wollff.co.uk' is 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 Brighouse Wolff. The genuine firm uses the email domain name ending with '@brighouse-wolff.co.uk' (one L).

The genuine firm of solicitors employs a Dianne Smith. She is a conveyancing assistant and not a solicitor.

The genuine firm of Brighouse Wolff has confirmed that it has no genuine and intended connection to the emails 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.