Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Peter Brown & Co Solicitors LLP

3 July 2024

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Peter Brown & Co Solicitors LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Peter Brown & Co Solicitors LLP which request recipients to pay funds to a fraudulent bank account.

The emails have been sent using the domain name '@peterbrownsolicitors.com' (note the missing - ) and using the email addresses 'roque.freitas@peu.com.br' and 'info@zoebook.com'.

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

Any business or transaction through the domain name '@peterbrownsolicitors.com' and email addresses 'roque.freitas@peu.com.br' and 'info@zoebook.com' 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 Peter Brown & Co Solicitors LLP whose address is Comer House, 19 Station Road, New Barnet, EN5 1QJ.

The email domain used by the genuine firm is @peterbrown-solicitors.com.

The genuine firm Peter Brown & Co Solicitors LLP has confirmed that they do not have any connection with 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.