Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Stephenson Harwood LLP

22 September 2024

An email has been sent falsely claiming to be from Stephenson Harwood LLP.

What is the scam?

An email falsely claiming to be from Stephenson Harwood LLP.

The email is headed 'Intellectual Property Violation Notice'.

The email is being sent from a number of gmail addresses.

The email misuses the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Stephenson Harwood LLP.

The firm's genuine email domain ends in '@shlegal.com'.

The genuine firm of solicitors has confirmed that it does 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.