Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Addleshaw Goddard LLP

21 May 2025

An email has been sent misusing the name of Addleshaw Goddard LLP in relation to a supposed copyright infringement matter.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent misusing the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below) in relation to a supposed copyright infringement matter.

The email seen by the SRA was sent from the email address 'brdarflorinda@gmail.com' and claims that the recipient has posted unauthorised content on a social media platform. A PDF document is attached to the email allegedly containing evidence of the copyright infringement. The concern is that the document may contain malware.

Any business or transaction through the email address 'brdarflorinda@gmail.com' 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 Addleshaw Goddard LLP. The genuine firm's email domain is addleshawgoddard.com

The genuine firm Addleshaw Goddard LLP has confirmed that it has no 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.