Alerts

Warning: Telephone calls misusing the name of Cheshire Estate & Legal Limited (CEL Solicitors)

22 March 2024

Telephone calls have been made misusing the name of Cheshire Estate & Legal Limited (CEL Solicitors)

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that members of the public have received telephone calls from an individual claiming to be called 'Damien Adams' in relation to supposed bitcoin account. The caller claimed to be calling from a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The SRA has been advised that the calls were made using a telephone number of '+44 2039582577' and '+44 2045421784'.

Another member of the public received telephone call using a number '02081576583' in relation to cryptocurrency that needed to be 'cashed in'.

Any business or transactions through the telephone number of '+44 2039582577', '+44 2045421784' and '02081576583' are 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 Cheshire Estate & Legal Limited trading as CEL. Their genuine telephone number is 01519098212.

The genuine firm of Cheshire Estate & Legal Limited has confirmed that they do not have connection with the telephone numbers referred to in the above alert.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Damian Adams. The genuine Damian Adams has confirmed that he has no genuine connection to the telephone calls 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.