Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Switalskis Solicitors Limited

11 April 2024

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Switalskis Solicitors Limited in relation to a conveyancing transaction.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Ellie Stothard' and 'Hannah Midgley' of Switalskis Solicitors Limited in relation to a conveyancing transaction. The emails ask the recipient to transfer funds to a bank account which is not associated with the genuine firm of solicitors.

The SRA has been advised that the emails were sent using the email addresses 'EllieStothardTeamsSwitalskis@dr.com' and 'EllieStothardOSwitalskis@email.com'.

The emails misuse the name, address and contact details of a genuine firm of solicitors and of genuine individuals at the firm (see below for genuine details).

Any business or transaction through the emails 'EllieStothardTeamsSwitalskis@dr.com' and 'EllieStothardOSwitalskis@email.com' are not undertaken by a solicitors' practice 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 Switalskis Solicitors Limited. The genuine firm's email domain is @Switalskis.com.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Eleanor Stothard who is also known as Ellie Stothard. Eleanor Stothard is a solicitor of the genuine firm Switalskis Solicitors Limited. The genuine email addresses for Eleanor Stothard are Ellie.Stothard@Switalskis.com and EllieStothardTeam@Switalskis.com. The firm also employs a genuine individual called Hannah Midgley who is a conveyancing assistant at the genuine firm Switalskis Solicitors Limited. The genuine email address for Hannah Midgley is hannah.midgley@switalskis.com.

The genuine firm Switalskis Solicitors Limited and genuine individuals Eleanor Stothard and Hannah Midgley have confirmed that they do not 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.