Alerts

Warning: Emails or correspondence from 'Peens Solicitors Ltd'

10 October 2024

An email has been sent from 'Peens Solicitors Ltd' misusing the names of 'Andrew Webster' and 'M Cartwright'.

What is the scam?

An email has been sent from 'Peens Solicitors Ltd' headed 'Pre Action Court-Protocol'. The email is in relation to a dispute about outstanding fees.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called 'Peens Solicitors Ltd'.

The SRA understands that the email was sent from the email address 'Legal_Team_Newcastle@gmx.co.uk'.

The email misuses the names of genuine solicitors (see below), as the header of the email uses the name 'Andrew Webster' while the email is purportedly signed by 'M Cartwright'.

The email also misuses the SRA ID number and office address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transaction through 'Peens Solicitors Ltd' or through the email address 'Legal_Team_Newcastle@gmx.co.uk' is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Greens Solicitors Limited. The genuine firm's Birmingham office address is One Temple Row, Birmingham, B2 5LG and its SRA number is 611988.

The genuine firm of solicitors has confirmed that it has no connection to the email referred to in the above alert.

The SRA also authorises and regulates genuine solicitors called Andrew Claiborne Webster, Andrew John Webster and Matthew Cartwright.

The genuine solicitor Matthew Cartwright has confirmed he has no connection to the email referred to in the above alert.

It is also believed that the genuine Andrew Claiborne Webster and Andrew John Webster do not have 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.