Alerts
Warning: Emails misusing the name of Simmons & Simmons LLP and Claire Freeman
25 November 2022
Emails have been sent misusing the name of Simmons & Simmons LLP in relation to a supposedly unpaid invoice.
What is the scam?
An email was sent from an individual called 'Kathy Eynon' claiming to be a 'legal secretary at 'Simmons & Simmons LLP' using an email address of 'kathy.eynon@simmons- -simmons.com'. The email contained an attachment of a supposed invoice claiming to be from 'simmons+simmons'.
Another email was sent from an individual called 'Claire Freeman' claiming to be from the 'Partner, Debt Recovery and Resolution, Simmons + Simmons LLP', using an email address of 'claire.freeman@ed3p.com'.
The SRA has also seen an email sent from 'Claire Freeman (Simmons & Simmons Legal)' claiming to be from the 'Partner, Debt Recovery and Resolution, Simmons + Simmons LLP'. However, this email was sent using a spoofed email address of a genuine organisation. The emails refer to an outstanding invoice and request payment is made.
The emails and invoice misuse the name, address and website address of a genuine firm of solicitors and the name of a genuine solicitor (see below).
Any business or transaction through the email addresses of 'kathy.eynon@simmons- -simmons.com' and 'claire.freeman@ed3p.com' are not undertaken by a solicitors' practice or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called Simmons & Simmons LLP. The firm's head office is based at Citypoint One Ropemaker Street London EC2Y 9SS. The website is www.simmons-simmons.com and email domain ends with '@simmons-simmons.com'
The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Claire Freeman, who is Member of a genuine firm called Clifford Chance LLP.
The genuine firm Simmons & Simmons LLP and the genuine solicitor Claire Freeman have confirmed that they do not have any connection with 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.
Related SRA scam alerts
More information
Updated 13 January 2023
The SRA has received further reports that an individual has been misusing the name of Simmons & Simmons LLP and Claire Freeman.
Emails have been sent using email addresses of 'claire.freeman@sssimmonsandsimms.com' and 'claire.freeman@ssslsimslegal.com'.
The emails contained attachments of supposed unpaid invoices. The first invoice asked for payment to be made by electronic funds transfer to a Revolut bank account purporting to be in the name of 'Simmons and Simmons LLP'. The second invoice asked for payment to a Revolut bank account in the name of 'Kurucka Mass Limited'.
Any business or transactions using the email addresses of 'claire.freeman@sssimmonsandsimms.com' and 'claire.freeman@ssslsimslegal.com' are not undertaken by a firm of solicitors or by an individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.