Alerts
Warning: Invoices misusing the name of King & Spalding International LLP
24 January 2024
Invoices have been sent misusing the name of King & Spalding International LLP, regarding supposed legal advice for 'future investment opportunities'
What is the scam?
Emails have been sent to some companies, falsely chasing payment for supposedly overdue invoices from King & Spalding International LLP. We understand that the emails attached false, copy invoices.
The invoices were sent in relation to legal fees for future investment opportunities and misuse the name, logo and address of the genuine firm of solicitors, as well as the name and supposed signature of one of the firm's genuine partners (see below for genuine details).
The false invoices also provided details of a bank account registered with a bank in Pimlico, London SW1V for payment, that we understand is not associated with the genuine firm of solicitors.
The SRA has been advised that the invoices were sent from the email addresses of 'enquiries@actdirectdebtrecovery.com' and 'ceooffice@workipad.org'.
Any business or transactions through the email addresses of 'enquiries@actdirectdebtrecovery.com' and 'ceooffice@workipad.org' 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 King & Spalding International LLP (trading as King & Spalding). The genuine firm's address is 125 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1AR.
The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Thomas (Tom) Sprange K.C., who is a genuine partner at King & Spalding International LLP.
The genuine firm of King & Spalding International LLP has confirmed that neither the firm or the genuine Tom Sprange K.C. have any genuine connection to the invoices referred to in the alert above.
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 have been advised that further invoices have been sent purporting to be the genuine firm of solicitors (please see above).
The false invoices provide details of a bank account registered with a bank in Westferry Circus E14 for payment, that we understand is not associated to the genuine firm of solicitors.
The SRA have been advised that the invoices were sent from the email address of 'ceo@office-ipad.com'
The genuine firm King & Spalding International LLP (trading as King & Spalding) confirmed that it does not have any connection to the invoices and email domain referred to in the alert above.
Update 10 April 2024
The SRA have been advised that further invoices have been sent that falsely purport to be from the genuine firm of solicitors (please see above).
The most recent false invoices we are aware of provide details of a bank account registered with a bank in Southampton Row, WC1B for payment, that is not associated with the genuine firm of solicitors.
The SRA have been advised that the invoices were sent from the email address of ‘ceofffiicce@gmail.com’
The genuine firm King & Spalding International LLP (trading as King & Spalding) confirmed that it does not have any genuine connection to the invoices and email domain referred to in the alert above.