Alerts

Warning: Phishing email falsely claiming to be from Mark Bridges of Farrer & Co LLP

16 June 2024

Email has been sent falsely claiming to be from Mark Bridges of Farrer & Co LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that email has been sent falsely claiming to be from a senior associate, Mark Bridges of Farrer & Co LLP. The fraudulent email alleges that the recipient is a guaranteed beneficiary of an estate. The email requests the recipient to write back and provide personal details.

The email was sent from the email address 'markbridges.farrerattorney@gmail.com'.

Any business or transaction through the email address 'markbridges.farrerattorney@gmail.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 Farrer & Co LLP, SRA ID 447822. The genuine firm's email address is 'enquiries@farrer.co.uk'.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Mark Bridges who was a Partner in the genuine firm.

The firm have confirmed that neither the firm nor the genuine Mark Bridges has any connection to the email 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.