Alerts
Warning: Emails from 'Matilda Fletcher' falsely claiming to be from Bates Wells
20 August 2024
Emails have been sent from 'Matilda Fletcher' falsely claiming to be from Bates Wells in relation to a supposed immigration matter.
What is the scam?
Emails have been sent from 'Matilda Fletcher' falsely claiming to be a Senior Associate at a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).
The correspondence seen by the SRA is in relation to an immigration matter. The email address used is 'matilda.fletcher@bateswell.co.uk'.
The SRA does not authorise or regulate a solicitor called 'Matilda Fletcher'.
Any business or transaction through 'Matilda Fletcher' and the email address 'matilda.fletcher@bateswell.co.uk', 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 Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP trading as Bates Wells. The firm's head office address is 10 Queen Street Place, London, EC4R 1BE.
The email domain used by the genuine firm is '@bateswells.co.uk'.
The genuine firm of Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP trading as Bates Wells has confirmed that it does not have any connection to a 'Matilda Fletcher' and to the correspondence 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.