Alerts
Warning: Documents misusing the name of Blackett Hart & Pratt LLP
16 July 2024
Documents have been sent misusing the name and address of Blackett Hart & Pratt LLP.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been advised that documents have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Lauren Jordan Diaz' and 'Lauren Diaz Esq', 'an Attorney of Law' of BHP Law.
The document seen by the SRA asks the recipient to make a payment in relation to an agreement. The document misuses the name of the genuine firm (see below), and its logo and office address.
The SRA have also been informed that members of the public received emails from an individual falsely claiming to be 'laurendiaz.law.europe.com'
Any business or transaction through the individual called 'Lauren Jordan Diaz' and 'Lauren Diaz Esq, an Attorney of Law', 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 trading as BHP Solicitors. The genuine firm has an office at Suite 307, Collingwood Buildings, 38 Collingwood Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 1JF. The firm's genuine email is '@bhplaw.co.uk'
The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Lauren Michelle Jordan and is employed at the genuine firm.
The genuine firm of Blackett Hart & Pratt Solicitors LLP have confirmed that neither it nor the genuine solicitor has any connection to the documents 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 31 July 2024
The SRA have been advised that another document has been sent purporting to be from Lauren Jordan and 'Lauren Jordan Esq', 'Attorney at Law' from the genuine firm of solicitors (please see above).
The SRA have seen a document that describes Lauren Jordan as an Associate and asked the recipient to make payments in relation to a refund of improper charges and compensation. The letter also misuses the genuine firm of solicitors address and logo.
The genuine firm Blackett Hart and Pratt LLP and the genuine Lauren Michelle Jordan confirmed that it does not have any connection to the letter referred to above.