Alerts

Warning: Phishing emails falsely claiming to be from Dentons

17 April 2024

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Dentons.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from a solicitor at Dentons (see below). The fraudulent emails included a link to a file titled 'Dentons Proposal'. The emails appear to have been sent from the genuine email address of a solicitor at the genuine firm.

The fraudulent emails misuse the name and address of a genuine firm. They also misuse the name and email address of a genuine solicitor.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Dentons UK and Middle East LLP, which is also known as 'Dentons'. Its genuine Edinburgh address is 9 Haymarket Square, Edinburgh, EH3 8RY. The genuine contact number for Dentons UK and Middle East LLP, Edinburgh, is 033 0222 0050 and the genuine fax number is 033 0222 0052.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Susan Kelly who is a solicitor of Dentons UK and Middle East LLP. Her genuine email address is susan.kelly@dentons.com.

The genuine solicitor, and the firm of Dentons UK and Middle East LLP have confirmed that neither it nor the genuine Susan Kelly 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.