Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Daniel Cawthorn and Wilkinson Woodward Limited

2 November 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Daniel Cawthorn and Wilkinson Woodward Limited in relation to a property transaction.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent to a client misusing the name of Daniel Cawthorn and Wilkinson Woodward Limited in relation to a property transaction.

The email addresses used to send the emails were 'dc@wikinsonwoodward.co.uk' and 'dc@wilkinsonwoodwards.co.uk'

The emails misuse the name of a genuine firm of solicitors and the name of a genuine solicitor (see below).

Any business or transactions through the above email addresses 'dc@wikinsonwoodward.co.uk' and 'dc@wilkinsonwoodwards.co.uk' are 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 Wilkinson Woodward Limited. The genuine domain used by the firm is @wilkinsonwoodward.co.uk.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Daniel Cawthorn who is employed by Wilkinson Woodward Limited.

The genuine firm, Wilkinson Woodward Limited and the genuine solicitor Daniel Cawthorn have confirmed that they do not have any connection with 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.