Alerts

Warning: Correspondence falsely claiming to be from Edward Machin of Ropes & Gray International LLP

24 July 2024

Correspondence has been sent falsely claiming to be from Edward Machin of Ropes & Gray International LLP

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that email correspondence has been exchanged between two related individuals and someone falsely claiming to be a solicitor at a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Two related individuals contacted the genuine solicitor at his genuine email address, requesting confirmation he was handling their matter. These individuals had previously received correspondence from the email address 'Edward.machin@ropesgrey.internacional'.

The SRA has also seen a letter claiming to be from the genuine solicitor as representative of one of the above individuals, to a UK Government organisation. It refers to a blocked payment and the need for his client to repay an amount to unblock the receipt of a larger amount. The letter misuses the name of a genuine solicitor and name and logo of a genuine firm of solicitors, and an address similar to that of its head office.

Any business or transactions through 'Edward.machin@ropesgrey.internacional[ 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 Ropes & Gray International LLP. Its Head office is at 60 Ludgate Hill, London, EC4M 7AW, and its email domain ends '@ropesgray.com'.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Edward Machin who is employed at Ropes & Gray International LLP. His genuine email address is Edward.Machin@ropesgray.com.

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.