Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Hogan Lovells International LLP

13 May 2024

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Hogan Lovells International LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Laurence Crowley' of Hogan Lovells International LLP. The emails contained a false invoice and asked the recipient to make a payment.

The SRA has been notified that the emails were sent using the email domain of 'laurence.crowley@hogansllovel.com'.

Any business or transactions through the above domain of 'laurence.crowley@hogansllovel.com' 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 Hogan Lovells International LLP. The firm uses the domain 'hoganlovells.com' (please note single l followed by a double ll at the end).

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine individual called Laurence Crowley who is employed by the firm.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it, nor Laurence Crowley have 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.