Alerts

Warning: Emails falsely claiming to be from Palmer Hodgson and Heyes Limited (trading as PHH Solicitors)

23 September 2024

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Martin Shipway of Palmer Hodgson and Heyes Limited (trading as PHH Solicitors).

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Palmer Hodgson and Heyes Limited (trading as PHH Solicitors).

The bogus emails appeared as if sent from the genuine email address of a solicitor and director at the genuine firm.

We understand that the emails had the subject header 'RE: completed: Review Invoice & Payment Document shared by Phhsolicitors – August 2024' and invite the recipients to view a PDF by clicking on a link in the email. A concern is that the emails may have contained malware, or a link to malware.

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

The emails also misuse the name of a solicitor and director of the firm (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Palmer Hodgson and Heyes Limited (which trades as PHH Solicitors).

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Martin Shipway who is a solicitor and director at the firm.

The genuine firm of solicitors has confirmed that neither the firm nor Martin Shipway have any genuine and intended 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.