Alerts
Warning: Emails misusing the name of Osborne Clarke LLP
7 November 2024
Emails has been sent falsely claiming to be from Osborne Clarke LLP in relation to supposed unpaid invoices.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent from an individual called 'Mitchelle Stafford' claiming to be a 'Lawyer/Debt Collection Litigation Counsel' falsely purporting to be from a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).
The email requests payment of a supposed outstanding invoice.
The email was sent using an email address of 'mitchelle.stafford@osbornesclarke.net' and provides a telephone number of '02032879329'.
The SRA has seen another email sent using an email address of 'mitchelle.stafford@osborneclarkelaw.co.uk' in relation to supposed unpaid invoices.
The emails misuse the name and registered address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).
Any business or transaction through the email addresses 'mitchelle.stafford@osbornesclarke.net', 'mitchelle.stafford@osborneclarkelaw.co.uk' and the telephone number '02032879329' 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 Osborne Clarke LLP. The head office is at 1 London Wall London EC2Y 5EB. The telephone number is 020 7105 7000. The genuine firm uses the domain @osborneclarke.com.
Osborne Clarke LLP has confirmed that they do not have any connection to in the alert above and they do not employ a staff member called 'Mitchelle Stafford'.
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.
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