Alerts

Warning: Emails and Whatsapp messages misusing the name of Harper James Limited

29 July 2024

Emails and Whatsapp messages have been sent misusing the name of Harper James Limited.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails and Whatsapp messages have been sent to a member of the public falsely claiming to be from 'Josephine Nicholas' of Harper James Limited.

The SRA has also been advised that the correspondence was in relation to a M&A scam and was sent using the email address of 'josephine.nicolas@harper-jamessolicitors.com.com'.

The emails and Whatsapp messages misused the name of a genuine firm of solicitors and genuine individual (see below).

Any business or transaction through the email address of 'josephine.nicolas@harper-jamessolicitors.com.com' is 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 Harper James Limited, that is also known as Harper James. Their email address is enquiries@harperjames.co.uk.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine individual called Josephine Antoinette Nicholas and is employed at the genuine firm of solicitors.

The genuine firm Harper James Solicitors has confirmed that the firm and the genuine Josephine Antoinette Nicholas does not have any genuine and intended connection to the emails and Whatsapp messages 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.