Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name and address of QCL Associates LLP

2 November 2023

Email has been sent misusing the name and address of QCL Associates LLP

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that an email has been sent from an individual called 'James Caan' falsely purporting to be from a genuine firm of solicitors in relation to a supposed financial matter.

The email seen by the SRA was sent from an individual purporting to be 'James Caan' and described as the 'Head of Property/Partner' at QCL Associates.

The email sent misuses the firm's genuine address (see below) and uses the email address of 'info@qcl-associatesllp.com'. The email signature includes a website of 'www.qcl-associatesllp.com' which is believed to no longer be operating, the telephone number of '0207 129 7541' and fax number of '0207 7936 8346'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a genuine solicitor called James Caan.

Any business or transactions through the email address of ' info@qcl-associatesllp.com', the website of 'www.qcl-associatesllp.com', the telephone number of '0207 129 7541' and fax number of '0207 7936 8346' 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 a genuine firm of solicitors called QCL Associates LLP, whose genuine address is 10 Warren Yard, Warren Park, Wolverton Mill, MK12 5NW. The firm’s genuine email domain ends with @thequeensburygroup.com. The genuine firm’s telephone number is 0207 096 2041 and its website is www.thequeensburygroup.com.

The genuine firm has confirmed that it does not have any connection to the emails or website 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.