Alerts
Warning: WhatsApp numbers and email addresses falsely claiming to be for 'John Bedford' and 'Jacques Sivignon' of Dechert LLP
17 October 2024
Contact numbers and email addresses falsely claiming to be for John Bedford and Jacques Sivignon of Dechert LLP, asking recipient of messages to sign documents.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been advised that WhatsApp telephone numbers and profiles have been created, using the number of '+44 7494 751240' and '+ 44 7443074656', that misuses the name and profile photo of a genuine solicitor (see below).
The messaging profile also provides the email address of 'john.bedford@dechertfirm.-com'. We understand that the impersonator requested that a recipient of messages sign documentation.
The SRA have also been advised that a WhatsApp number and profile has been created, using the number of '+44 7340 576275' that misuses the name and profile photo of a genuine solicitor (please see below). The messaging profile also provides the email address of 'jacques.sivignon@dechert-lawfirm.com'.
Any business or transaction through the telephone numbers of '+44 7494 751240', + 44 7443074656' and '+44 7340 576275' or the email addresses of 'john.bedford@dechertfirm.com' and 'jacques.sivignon@dechert-lawfirm.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 a genuine firm of solicitors called Dechert LLP. The Head Office in England is based at 25 Cannon Street, London, EC4M 5UB.
The SRA also authorises and regulates an individual called John Bedford, a partner of Dechert LLP, whose genuine email address uses the domain @dechert.com.
The SRA also authorises and regulates an individual called Jacques Sivignon, a partner of Dechert (Paris) LLP whose genuine email address uses the domain @dechert.com.
Dechert LLP has confirmed that neither it, John Bedford nor Jacques Sivignon has a connection to the telephone numbers or the email addresses referred to 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.