Alerts

Warning: Document misusing the name of Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited (trading as CEL Solicitors)

22 August 2024

A verification document has been sent misusing the name of Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited (trading as CEL Solicitors).

What is the scam?

A supposed verification document has been sent from an individual called 'Leah Brown' claiming to be from of CEL Solicitors. The document also references staff member called 'Ryan Brooks'. 

The supposed document provides verification that an individual called 'Terry Jefforts' is a 'Fraud Expert Manager' of CEL Solicitors.

The document was sent using an email address of 'jeffortsterry@gmail.com' and provides an further email address of 'info.celsolicitors@financier.com' and a WhatsApp number of '+44 7529441215'.

The document and email misuse the name, logo, address and website link of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transactions through the emails 'jeffortsterry@gmail.com' and 'info.celsolicitors@financier.com' and a WhatsApp number of '+44 7529441215' 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 Cheshire Estate & Legal Limited trading as CEL whose address is 12th Floor, 20 Chapel Street, Liverpool, L3 9AG. The email domain used by the firm is @celsolicitors.co.uk. The website address is www.celsolicitors.co.uk. The telephone number is 0151 909 8212.

Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited has confirmed that it does not employ staff members called 'Leah Brown', 'Ryan Brooks or 'Terry Jefforts' and it has no connection to the email and document 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.