Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Burges Salmon LLP and Richard Leeming

25 April 2024

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Richard Leeming of Burges Salmon LLP in relation to an inheritance matter.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent from someone falsely purporting to be 'Richard Leeming' in relation to an inheritance matter. The emails misuse the name of a genuine solicitor and a genuine firm of solicitors (see below for details).

We understand that the emails advise the recipient that they are entitled to a very large inheritance. The email also attached a document which is headed 'British Crown Court' and refers to 'Richard Leeming' having been 'called to the British Law by the Body of Burges Salmon LLP' in September 1995.

We have been informed that the email address used to send the emails was 'richardleeming16@gmail.com'.

Any business or transactions through the email address 'richardleeming16@gmail.com' is 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 firm of solicitors called Burges Salmon LLP. The firm's genuine email domain ends in @burges-salmon.com.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Richard Leeming, who is Partner in Burges Salmon LLP. The genuine email address of Richard Leeming is richard.leeming@burges-salmon.com.  

Burges Salmon LLP have confirmed that neither the firm or the genuine Richard Leeming have any genuine connection to the emails referred to 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.