Alerts
Warning: Message misusing the name of 'Dechert'.
26 January 2024
Message misusing the name of 'Dechert' in relation to supposed infringement on copyright images.
What is the scam?
A message has been sent using a company online contact form, claiming to be from an individual called 'Tim Burnett, Legal Officer' at 'Dechert Inc'. The message relates to a supposed infringement of copyright images.
The individual provided a link to view the supposed image. The concern is that the link may contain malware.
The contact details provided an email of 'TimBurnett@dechert.com' and a telephone number of '7181906987'.
The SRA does not authorise and regulate a solicitor called 'Tim Burnett'.
Any business or transactions through 'TimBurnett@dechert.com' and '7181906987' are 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 Dechert LLP. Their genuine telephone number is 0207 1847000. The firm's genuine email domains end in @dechert.com.
The genuine firm has confirmed that it does not employ a staff member called 'Tim Burnett', nor does it have any connection to the message 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.
More information
Update 29 February 2024
The SRA has received a further report that contacts have been made misusing the name of Dechert LLP.
The message relates to a supposed infringement of copyright images.
The individual provided a link to view the supposed image. The concern is that the link may contain malware.
An individual called 'Denise Butler', claiming to be a ‘Legal Officer' at 'Dechert Inc' provided an email of 'DeniseButler@dechert.com' and a telephone number of '9175675610'.
Any business or transactions through the email address and telephone number above are not undertaken by a solicitor's practice or an individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Update 8 February 2024
The SRA has received further reports that contacts have been made misusing the name of Dechert LLP.
The message relates to a supposed infringement of copyright images.
The individual provided a link to view the supposed image. The concern is that the link may contain malware.
The following contact details were provided:
- An individual called 'Sue Sempf', claiming to be a 'Legal Officer' at 'Dechert Inc' providing an email of 'SueSempf@dechert.com' and a telephone number of '(718) 295-9311'.
- An individual called 'Megan Bemis', claiming to be a ‘Legal Officer' at 'Dechert Inc' providing an email of 'MeganBemis@dechert.com' and a telephone number of '212 461 6897'.
- An individual called 'Jennifer Pierce', claiming to be a ‘Legal Officer' at 'Dechert Inc' providing an email of 'JenniferPierce@dechert.com' and a telephone number of '212 916 9834'.
Any business or transactions through the email addresses and telephone numbers above are not undertaken by a solicitor's practice or an individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.