Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Weightmans LLP

23 May 2024

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Weightmans LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent falsely purporting to be from 'Victoria Mills' and 'Angela Bale' of Weightmans LLP. The emails attached false invoices with incorrect bank account details and asked the recipient to make a payment.

The email seen by the SRA was sent using the email address of 'billing@weightmans.cfd'. The false invoice provides an email address of 'info@weightmans.cfd'.

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

Any business or transactions through the email addresses 'billing@weightmans.cfd', 'info@weightmans.cfd' and email domain of '@weightmans.cfd' 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 Weightmans LLP, whose head office is at 100 Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9QJ. The firm's telephone number is 0345 073 9900. The genuine firm's email domain is @weightmans.com.

The genuine firm Weightmans LLP has confirmed that they do not have any connection with the emails referred to in the above alert and they do not employ individuals called 'Victoria Mills' and 'Angela Bale'.

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.