Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the names of Nasima Begum and Katherine Drage, and the name and details of Smithfield Partners Limited

6 October 2026

Emails have been sent misusing the names of Nasima Begum and Katherine Drage, and the name and details of Smithfield Partners Limited in relation to conveyancing matters.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent in relation to residential conveyancing matters that misuse the name and details of a genuine firm of solicitors and the name of a genuine solicitor and a genuine licenced conveyancer (see details below). The emails also provide payment instructions directing the recipient to transfer the funds into a client care bank account.

The emails were sent from the email addresses 'kate.drage@smithfieldpartner.com' and 'nasima.begum@smithfieldpartner.com'. Further emails were sent from 'nasima.begum@smithfieldspartners.com' and copied in 'charlotte.harald@smithfieldspartners.com.

The emails include the telephone numbers '01582 323983', '01582 368690' and '(0) 845 687 0775' and misuses the genuine contact details of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transaction through the contact details mentioned above 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 Smithfield Partners Limited (SRA number 499315). The genuine firm's head office address is Hart House Business Centre, Kimpton Road, Luton, LU2 0LA. Its genuine telephone number is 0845 539 1000 and the email domain used by the firm is @smithfieldpartners.com.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Nasima Begum (SRA number 664597) who is employed at Smithfield Partners Limited.

Katherine Drage is employed at Smithfield Partners Limited as a Licenced Conveyancer.

Charlotte Harald is employed at Smithfield Partners Limited as a Paralegal.

Nasima Begum, Katherine Drage and Charlotte Harald have confirmed that they do not have any 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.