Alerts

Warning: Emails and Telephone Calls misusing the name of Michael Miller/Michael Joseph Miller and Freeths LLP

13 March 2024

Emails have been sent and telephone calls have been made to members of the public misusing the name of Michael Miller/Michael Joseph Miller and Freeths LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent and telephone calls have been made to members of the public misusing the name of Michael Miller/Michael Joseph Miller and Freeths LLP in relation to cryptocurrency investments.

The emails were sent from 'CyberMike.CSC@proton.me' and 'support@aml-association.com'.

The emails and telephone calls misuse the name and SRA ID of a genuine solicitor (see below).

The emails and telephone calls also misuse the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transactions through the email addresses 'CyberMike.CSC@proton.me' and 'support@aml-association.com' 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 solicitor called Michael Miller/ Michael Joseph Miller. His SRA ID is 528832 and his genuine email address is Michael.Miller@freeths.co.uk.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Freeths LLP whose main office address is Cumberland Court, 80 Mount Street, Nottingham, NG1 6HH.

The genuine Michael Miller/ Michael Joseph Miller and the genuine firm of solicitors, Freeths LLP have confirmed that they do not have any connection to the emails or 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.