Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Hogan Lovells International LLP

15 August 2024

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Hogan Lovells International LLP

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent from 'Hogan Lovell' an individual called 'Dr Hogan Lovells' / 'Dr Hoqon Lovells' / 'Hogan Lovell' in relation to a supposed payment of an unclaimed lottery prize. A letter attached to the email is headed 'Hogan Lovells & Co' informs the recipient of an unclaimed prize money and invites the recipient to make a claim.

The SRA understands that the emails were sent using the email addresses 'hlovells234@gmail.com' and 'hoganlovellsabg@outlook.com'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate individual solicitors with the name Hoqon Lovells, Hogan Lovells or Hogan Lovell.

The emails misuse the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transactions through 'hlovells234@gmail.com' and 'hoganlovellsabg@outlook.com' are not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Hogan Lovells International LLP. The genuine email domain used by the firm is @hoganlovells.com.

The genuine firm Hogan Lovells International LLP has confirmed that they do not have any connection with the emails referred to in the above alert and they do not employ a solicitor called 'Dr Hogan Lovells/ Dr Hoqon Lovells / Hogan Lovell'.

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.