Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Freeths LLP

8 May 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Melissa Coleman of Freeths LLP in respect of a conveyancing transaction.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent misusing the name of 'Melissa Coleman' of Freeths LLP (see below for genuine details). The email seen by the SRA related to the sending of funds but was sent from a false email domain. 

The email seen by the SRA was sent from the email address 'melissa.coleman@freeeths.com' (notice the additional 'e' in the misspelling of Freeths). The email also provides a telephone number of '01865 780062', a mobile number of '07973800894' and a fax number of '0845 030 0020'.

Any business or transactions through emails using a domain name ending with '@freeeths.com' or the above telephone numbers and fax number 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 Freeths LLP.

The genuine firm employs a Melissa Coleman as a Managing Associate at the firm. The genuine Melissa Coleman’s contact details are the email address melissa.coleman@freeths.co.uk and the telephone numbers 0186 578 1162 and 0797 388 3894.

The genuine firm of Freeths LLP and the genuine Melissa Coleman have confirmed they have 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 (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.