Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Osborne Clarke LLP

10 January 2025

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent misusing the name and address of a genuine firm of solicitors.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from a genuine firm of solicitors (see below) requesting payment for supposedly outstanding invoices.

The emails are signed off by 'Claire Anderson' (see below) or 'Claire Stafford' who are both referred to as a 'Lawyer/Debt Collection Litigation Counsel' and use the address of the genuine firm (see below).

The emails have been sent from the email addresses 'claire.anderson@osborneclarksllp.co.uk' and 'claire.stafford@osborne-clarkeslaw.co.uk' and provide a telephone number of '02032879329'. We have been advised that subsequent emails have been sent purportedly from the CEO confirming that the invoice is agreed and asking the individual to make a payment.

Any business or transaction through the email addresses 'claire.anderson@osborneclarksllp.co.uk' or 'claire.stafford@osborne-clarkeslaw.co.uk' or the telephone number of '02032879329' 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 firm of solicitors called Osborne Clarke LLP. The firm’s head office address is 1 London Wall London EC2Y 5EB. The firm’s telephone number is 020 7105 7000. The genuine firm uses the domain @osborneclarke.com.

Osborne Clarke LLP has confirmed that it does not have any connection to the above emails and does not employ ‘Claire Anderson’ or 'Claire Stafford'.

The SRA authorises and regulates three solicitors with the name Claire Anderson, none of whom are believed to have any connection to the above matter.

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.