Alerts
Warning: Emails and documents misusing the names of Paul Masters and Allan Richards
14 October 2024
Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Paul Masters of London Bridge 2 PCC and provide a signed document misusing the name of Allan Richards.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent to members of the public, falsely claiming to be from Paul Masters (see below) of 'London Bridge 2 PCC'. The emails refer to the recipients' units and attach a document which provides a formal offer for those units to be purchased. The emails were sent from the email address 'admin@londonbridge2-pcc.com' and provide a telephone contact number of '0203 488 2941'.
The attached document seen by the SRA is referred to as a 'storage unit purchase offer' and is signed off by Allan Richards (see below) who is referred to as a 'Legal Representative'. We understand that that the recipients are also provided with a 'nominated account form' requesting bank details so that payments can be made to them. This document provides an email address of 'acquisitions@lb2-pcc.com' and the telephone number '0203 488 3672'.
We understand that another document has been sent to a member of the public advising them of the terms of the 'surety bond agreement' related to the release of funds and the telephone number of '0208 226 0176' is provided. We are advised that a member of the public has received a telephone call requesting payment.
Any business or transaction through the email addresses and telephone numbers provided above is not undertaken by any individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a solicitor by the name of Paul David Masters, with the SRA number: 27419 and a solicitor by the name of Allan Richards, with the SRA number: 138034.
Paul Masters has confirmed that he has no connection to the above matter.
Allan Richards has confirmed that he has no connection to the above matter.
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.
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