Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Breens Solicitors Ltd

26 November 2024

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Breens Solicitors Ltd, regarding supposed infringement of copyrighted material.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent to third parties misusing the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below), in relation to the supposed infringement of copyrighted videos and audio.

The email seen by the SRA has a subject line including 'Copyright-infringing images and videos'. The email advises the recipient they have used copyrighted videos and audio supposedly belonging to a client of the firm. The recipient is advised to review a PDF file containing examples of the copyrighted materials. Our concern is that the link may contain malware.

The email was sent from the email address 'robertbennettzi69884@gmail.com'. The email misuses the name, email address, website address and telephone number of the genuine firm (see below).

Any business or transaction through the email address of 'robertbennettzi69884@gmail.com' 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 Breens Solicitors Ltd. The firm's email address is info@breensonline.co.uk and its website address is www.breensonline.co.uk. The firm’s head office telephone number is 01704 532890.

The genuine firm of Breens Solicitors Ltd has confirmed that it has no 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.