Alerts

Warning: Emails falsely claiming to be from O'Donnell Solicitors

5 July 2024

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Jackie Mottershead at O'Donnell Solicitors in relation to conveyancing transactions.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen emails falsely claiming to be from O'Donnell Solicitors.

Some of the bogus emails appear as if sent from the genuine email address of a former senior conveyancer and team manager at the genuine firm. 

Emails have also been sent using the domain name '@odonnellsolicitors.c0-uk.net' (similar to the domain name of the genuine firm but using 'c0-uk.net' instead of 'co.uk').

The emails requested payments in relation to the purchase of a property.

The emails misuse the name, SRA number and address details of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The emails also misuse the name of a former senior conveyancer and team manager at the firm (see below).

Any business or transaction through the email domain '@odonnellsolicitors.c0-uk.net' 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 O’Donnell Solicitors Limited. The firm's head office address is Appleby's Business Centre, 3 Mossley Road, Saddleworth, OL4 4HH, while the firm also has a genuine branch office at 44 High Street, Uppermill, Saddleworth, Oldham, OL3 6HA.

The firm's genuine email domain ends in @odonnellsolicitors.co.uk. The firm’s genuine telephone number is 01457 761 320 and its genuine website is www.odonnellsolicitors.co.uk.

The firm's genuine SRA number is 626658.

The firm have confirmed that they did employ a genuine Jackie Mottershead as a senior conveyancer and team manager at the firm. She is no longer with the firm.

The genuine firm of solicitors have confirmed that neither the firm nor Jackie Mottershead have a genuine and intended 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.