Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Laura Chandler and Mishcon de Reya LLP

8 November 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Laura Chandler and Mishcon de Reya LLP.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Laura Chandler and Mishcon de Reya LLP in relation to acquisitions. A recipient of one email also received a call from a fraudulent party, claiming to be the relevant client.

The email address used to send the email was 'info@chandlerlaura.com'.

The emails seen by the SRA misuse the name of a genuine firm of solicitors and a genuine solicitor (see below).

Any business or transactions through the above email address 'info@chandlerlaura.com' are not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Mishcon de Reya LLP. The genuine domain used by the firm is '@mishcon.com'.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Laura Chandler, who is a Partner at the genuine firm.

The genuine firm of Mishcon de Reya LLP has confirmed that neither it, nor the genuine Laura Chandler 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.