Alerts

Warning: Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Richard Burger'

18 October 2024

Emails has been sent falsely claiming to be sent from 'Richard Burger' in relation to supposed unpaid invoices.

What is the scam?

An email has been sent falsely claiming to be from a genuine solicitor (see below). The email is in relation to supposed unpaid invoices and were sent from the email address of 'r.burger11=outlook.com@bounces.elasticemail.net'. However, when hovering over the email address the email domain appears as 'r.burger11@outlook.com'.

Any business or transaction through the email addresses of 'r.burger11@outlook.com' and 'r.burger11=outlook.com@bounces.elasticemail.net' 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 individual called Richard Burger and his email domain is '@wilmerhale.com'

The genuine solicitor has confirmed that he has no connection to the email 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.