Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Burges Salmon LLP, Ross Andrew Simpson, Emma Jane Bean and Jessica Sian Chard

3 September 2024

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Burges Salmon LLP, Ross Andrew Simpson, Emma Jane Bean and Jessica Sian Chard.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Burges Salmon LLP. The emails requested payments and attached an invoice with 'updated bank details'.

The emails were sent from 'ross.simpson@burges-selmon.com', 'emma.bean@burges-selmon.com' and 'jess.chard@burges-selmon.com' (the letter 'e' is used in 'salmon' instead of 'a').

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

The emails also misuse the name of three genuine solicitors (see below).

Any business or transaction through the emails 'ross.simpson@burges-selmon.com', 'emma.bean@burges-selmon.com' and 'jess.chard@burges-selmon.com' are 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 Burges Salmon LLP. The firm's genuine email domain ends in 'burges-salmon.com'.

The SRA authorises and regulates three genuine solicitors called Ross Andrew Simpson, Emma Jane Bean and Jessica Sian Chard.

The genuine firm of solicitors has confirmed that neither the firm nor Ross Andrew Simpson nor Emma Jane Bean nor Jessica Sian Chard have any genuine connection to the emails 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.