Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Waterfront Solicitors LLP

18 March 2025

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Waterfront Solicitors LLP.

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).

The email was sent from an individual called 'Hendrick Bowen' claiming to be a 'solicitor'. The email was sent using an email address of 'bowen.esq@waterfrontlawllc.com'. The email seen by the SRA informs the recipient of a financial offer and requests them to email him for more information.

In another email the SRA understands 'Hendrick Bowen' purported to be a lawyer at the genuine firm and requested the recipient to open an account with Exim Bank to facilitate further payments of monies.

The SRA has also been informed that a website at 'www.waterfrontlawllc.com' was falsely operating and misusing the name of the genuine firm and understand that the website has now been suspended.

Any business or transaction through 'Hendrick Bowen', the email address of 'bowen.esq@waterfrontlawllc.com' and email domain '@waterfrontlawllc.com' 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 Waterfront Solicitors LLP. The genuine firm's email domain is @waterfront.law.

The genuine firm Waterfront Solicitors LLP has confirmed that they do not have any connection to the emails referred to in the above alert and do not employ an individual called 'Hendrick Bowen'.

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.