Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Holden Smith Law Limited

17 July 2024

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Holden Smith Law Limited in relation to invoices.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that fraudulent emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Robert Daniel Kelly at Holden Smith Law Limited.

The bogus emails appear as if they have been sent from the genuine email address of a solicitor at the firm, Rob.Kelly@holdensmith.co.uk, and contain a link to an invoice.

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

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

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Holden Smith Law Limited.

The firm’s genuine address for its head office is Ashlar House, 230 Cumberworth Lane, Lower Cumberworth, Huddersfield, HD8 8PR.

The firm’s genuine telephone number for its head office is 01484 556677.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Robert Daniel Kelly who is a director and corporate solicitor at the genuine firm.

The genuine firm of solicitors has confirmed that neither the firm nor Robert Daniel Kelly 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.