Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Ashfords LLP

13 December 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Ashfords LLP in relation to a property transaction.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent misusing the name Ashfords LLP in relation to a property transaction.

The emails were sent from the email address 's.randell@ashfolds.co.uk' and claimed to be from 'Stacey Randell'.

The emails asked the recipient to send funds to payees who are not associated to any legitimate transactions.

The emails misuse the name, telephone number and postal address of Ashfords LLP.

Any business or transactions through 's.randell@ashfolds.co.uk' is not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Ashfords LLP. The genuine firm's email domain ends in '@ashfords.co.uk' (please note the 'r'). The genuine firm's Exeter office address is Ashford House, Grenadier Road, Exeter, EX1 3LH.

The genuine firm has confirmed that it does employ Stacey Randell who is a senior associate.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it, nor its genuine Stacey Randell has 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.