Alerts

Warning: Emails falsely claiming to be from Funnell & Perring Solicitors

11 July 2024

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Chloe Mitchell at Funnell & Perring Solicitors in relation to a conveyancing transaction.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that a client's email account was hacked and fraudulent emails were sent to the firm requesting payment in relation to a conveyancing transaction.

Fraudulent emails were also sent to the client, falsely claiming to be from Chloe Mitchell at Funnell & Perring Solicitors.

The emails were sent from 'CMitchell.funnellperring@hotmail.com'.

The emails misuse the name and telephone number of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The emails also misuse the name of a secretary at the firm (see below).

Any business or transaction through the email address 'CMitchell.funnellperring@hotmail.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 Funnell & Perring Solicitors.

The firm's genuine email domain ends in '@funnellperring.co.uk'.

The firm's genuine telephone number for its Hastings office is 01424 426287.

The firm have confirmed that they employ a genuine Chloe Mitchell, who is a secretary at the genuine firm.

The genuine firm of solicitors has confirmed that neither the firm nor Chloe Mitchell have a genuine and intended connection to the emails 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.