Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Caroline Churchill and Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

11 January 2024

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Caroline Churchill and Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP in relation to unpaid invoices.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent misusing the name of a genuine solicitor and firm of solicitors (see below). The email refers to 'an unpaid invoice for professional services rendered by my client' and that 'Timely settlement of the unpaid invoice would be greatly appreciated to avoid legal action'.

The emails were sent from 'carolinechurchill@womblesbonddickinson.com', 'carolinechurchill@womblebonddickinsonllp.com' and 'carolinechurchill@womblebonddicklnson.com'.

The emails signed off with the telephone number '02032907832' and an address of '4 More London Place, London, SE1 2AU'.

Any business or transactions through 'carolinechurchill@womblesbonddickinson.com' or 'carolinechurchill@womblebonddicklnson.com' is not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Any business or transactions through '02032907832' or '4 More London Place, London, SE1 2AU' 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 a genuine solicitor called Caroline Churchill, who is a partner at the genuine firm Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP. The genuine firm's email domain ends in '@wbd-uk.com' and Caroline Churchill's genuine email address is 'caroline.churchill@wbd-uk.com'.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it, nor its genuine Caroline Churchill 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.