Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Burges Salmon LLP

24 September 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Burges Salmon LLP in relation to a providing legal representation.

What is the scam?

Emails have sent to a member of the public from an individual claiming to be 'Suzanna Harvey' of 'Burges Salmon LLP' in relation to a providing legal representation and requesting money for a bail payment.  The emails appear to be sent using the email address of 'Suzanna.harvey@burges-salmon.online'.

The emails were also 'copied' to 'ann.metherall@burges-salmon.online' and some provided another email address of 'london.reception@burges-salmon.online' and a telephone number of '+44 (0) 20 7685 1400'.

The emails misuse the name, fax number and postal and DX address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transaction through the above email addresses and contact number 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 Burges Salmon LLP. The genuine firm has a branch office address at 6 New St Square, London EC4A 3BF, and its DX address is 361 London/Chancery. The genuine telephone number is 020 7685 1200 and genuine fax number is 0207 980 4966. The genuine email addresses used by the firm use the domain '@burges-salmon.com'.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitors called Suzanna Harvey and Ann Metherall who are both Partners at Burges Salmon LLP.

The genuine firm of Burges Salmon LLP has confirmed that neither it nor the genuine Suzanna Harvey and Ann Metherall have any connection with 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.