Alerts
Warning: Emails misusing the name of Slaughter and May
14 March 2025
Emails have been sent misusing the name of Slaughter and May in relation to a supposed copyright infringement matter relating to the use of music content without authorisation.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent misusing the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below) in relation to a supposed copyright infringement matter relating to the use of music content without authorisation.
An email seen by the SRA claims that the recipient has used and distributed music content supposedly owned by the firm's client without authorisation. The recipient is referred to a PDF attachment containing evidence of the alleged copyright infringement. The concern is that the document may contain malware. The recipient is advised to remove the content within 48 hours of the notification; failing which, certain specified actions would be taken against them.
We understand that the emails are sent under the name of Elizabeth Reed (see below) and provide a telephone number of '+44 20 7017 6000' and the postcode 'EC1Y 8JJ' as well as misusing the website address (see below) and email address of the genuine firm. We understand that the following email addresses have used to send the emails:
- tautrodalal1978@gmail.com
- liaglewlinghy1983@gmail.com
- irinrake1986@gmail.com
Any business or transaction through the above telephone number, email addresses or the above postcode is not undertaken by a firm or solicitor authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called Slaughter and May. The firm’s head office address is One Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8YY and its genuine contact number is 020 7600 1200. The firm’s website address is www.slaughterandmay.com.
Slaughter and May has confirmed that it has no connection to the above correspondence and does not employ anyone by the name of Elizabeth Reed.
The SRA authorises and regulates two solicitors by the name Elizabeth Reed, both of whom are believed to have no connection to the above emails.
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.