Alerts

Warning: Document misusing the name of Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited (CEL Solicitors)

31 July 2024

A document has been sent misusing the name of Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited (CEL Solicitors) in relation to supposed recovery of funds.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that a document titled 'Service Agreement' has been sent from an individual called 'Karen Beswick' claiming to be 'Head of Compliance', falsely purporting to be from a genuine firm of solicitors in relation to supposed recovery of funds 'found or stored in blockchain'.

The document misuses the name and logo of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited trading as CEL based in Liverpool.

Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited have confirmed that they do not have any connection with the document referred to in the above alert and they do not employ a staff member called 'Karen Beswick'.

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.