Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the names of Laura Bretherton and Macfarlanes LLP

11 November 2024

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Laura Bretherton at Macfarlanes LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen emails that have been sent falsely claiming to be from a genuine solicitor at a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The emails request payment of an outstanding invoice.

The emails were sent from the domain '@macferlanes.com'.

Any business or transaction through the domain '@macferlanes.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 Macfarlanes LLP. The genuine firm uses the domain '@macfarlanes.com'.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Laura Bretherton who is a Partner at Macfarlanes LLP.

The genuine firm of Macfarlanes LLP has confirmed that neither it, nor its Laura Bretherton has any connection to the emails referred to in the alert above.

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.