Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of James Allen

7 September 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name of James Allen in relation to a supposed inheritance.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that members of the public have received emails falsely claiming to be from James Allen using the email address 'h.kubelke@t-online.de'. The emails seen by the SRA advise the recipient that their delayed inheritance has been approved and ask the recipient to respond by emailing 'jamessallen064@gmail.com'.

The email misuses the name of a genuine solicitor and the address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transaction through the email addresses 'h.kubelke@t-online.de' and 'jamessallen064@gmail.com' 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 solicitor called James Allen (SRA ID: 161878) who is employed at Birketts LLP. The genuine email address is james-allen@birketts.co.uk.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Birketts LLP.  The genuine solicitor is employed at the branch operating from 22 Station Road, Cambridge, CB1 2JD.

The genuine firm of solicitors Birketts LLP has confirmed that neither the firm nor the genuine solicitor James Allen have any connection to the emails referred to in the alert 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.