Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Breens Solicitors Ltd

3 November 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Breens Solicitors Ltd in relation to a property transaction.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that the emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from genuine firm of solicitors in relation to a property transaction.

The emails seen by the SRA were sent from the email address ‘s.hamilton@breenonline.co.uk' and claim to be from 'Sarah Hamilton, Conveyancing Assistant to Stephen Breen'. The emails misuse the name, telephone numbers, genuine email address and postal addresses of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transaction undertaken using the email domain of ‘@breenonline.co.uk' is not undertaken by a genuine firm or solicitor.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Breens Solicitors Ltd who trade as Breens Solicitors. The genuine firm uses the email domain name of '@breensonline.co.uk' (please note the 's') and it has a genuine email address of info@breensonline.co.uk. The genuine firm's head office address is 30 Hoghton Street, Southport PR9 0PA, telephone number is 01704 532 890 and it also has a branch office at 34 Crosby Road North, Waterloo L22 4QG.

The genuine firm has also confirmed that it does employ someone called Sarah Hamilton who is a conveyancing assistant. Her genuine direct dial is 0151 928 0533 and her genuine email address is s.hamilton@breensonline.co.uk.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it nor its employee Sarah Hamilton have any connection to the emails 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 (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.