Alerts

Warning: Messages misusing the names of Richard Leeming and Burges Salmon LLP

17 March 2025

Messages have been sent on social media misusing the name of Richard Leeming and Burges Salmon LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that messages have been sent on social media falsely claiming to be from a genuine firm of solicitors. The messages misuse the name of a genuine solicitor and a genuine firm of solicitors.

The messages ask the recipient to make a payment to bank details they have provided.

The messages were sent from 'Scott Thompson'. They provided the telephone numbers '+1 (307) 785-6577' and '+44 7404 509783'.

The messages claim that 'Scott Thompson' works for 'Barr.Richard Leeming'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a solicitor called 'Scott Thompson'.

Any business or transaction through 'Scott Thompson' or the telephone numbers '+1 (307) 785-6577' and '+44 7404 509783' 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 Burges Salmon LLP and a genuine solicitor at the firm called Richard John Leeming.

The telephone number for the genuine firm's head office is 01179392000.

Burges Salmon LLP and Richard John Leeming have confirmed that they do not have any connection to the messages 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.