Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Michael Tree and Swayne Johnson Limited

22 February 2024

An email has been sent misusing the name of Michael Tree and Swayne Johnson Limited in relation to a conveyancing matter.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that an email has been sent misusing the name of Michael Tree and Swayne Johnson Limited. The email also misuses the logo of Swayne Johnson Limited.

The email was sent from 'michaelt@svvaynejohnson.com'. The email asks the recipient to transfer funds in relation to a conveyancing matter to a bank account which is not associated with the genuine firm.

Any business or transactions through the email address 'michaelt@svvaynejohnson.com' is 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 Swayne Johnson Limited whose head office address is 2 Hall Square, Denbigh, LL16 3PA. The genuine firm's email domain ends in '@swaynejohnson.com' (please note the use of 'w' and not two 'v's in 'swayne').

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Michael Tree. His genuine email address is 'michaelt@swaynejohnson.com'.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it, not its genuine Michael Tree has any connection to the email 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.