Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of James Alder and Hogan Lovells International LLP

10 April 2025

Emails have been sent misusing the name of James Alder and Hogan Lovells International LLP in relation to a fictitious estate.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from a genuine solicitor and firm of solicitors (see below) in relation to a fictitious estate. The emails ask the recipient to provide funds to unblock an account and to process a claim to the estate.

The emails were sent from:

james.alder@hoganlovell.com

maitreducabinethoganlvevells@gmail.com

maitreducabinethoganlovells@gmail.com.

Any business or transaction through the above email addresses 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 Hogan Lovells International LLP. Emails from the genuine firm use the domain '@hoganlovells.com' (please note the 's' after lovell').

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called James Alder who is a partner at the genuine firm.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it nor James Alder have any connection to the emails 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.