Scam alerts round-up
Overview of recent scam activity
Our round up highlights the latest high-risk scams for both members of the public and solicitors.
We want to help people make well-informed choices about using legal services. As well as supporting solicitors to help keep their firm safe.
In the last three months from 1 November 2023 to 31 January 2024, we have published 83 scam alerts.
We have set out below a summary of the different platforms that have been used in these scams.
Inheritance entitlement to money (3)
- Letters misusing the name of Switalskis Solicitors Limited
- Emails misusing the name of David Engel and Addleshaw Goddard LLP
Emails/phishing/malware (38)
- Emails misusing the name of CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP and Steven McCorney
- Emails misusing the name of Simmons & Simmons LLP
- Phishing emails falsely claiming to be from Hewitts PLP
Bogus firms (7)
- Website claiming to be a law firm called 'Krot & Khulani Bhebhe
- Website claiming to be a law firm called 'TM Plewmen & Co'
- Website claiming to be a law firm called 'Charles KB Solicitors'
Other (eg. documents, telephone calls and websites) (35)
- Fax message from 'Good Law Corporation' and fraudulent website
- Emails and stamped document misusing the name of Stefanie O'Bryen T/A Watlington Solicitors
- Telephone calls and WhatsApp messages misusing the name of Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited (CEL Solicitors)
What you should do
Members of the public
- Check that any unexpected correspondence received is genuine - particularly if it asks you to provide personal information, funds or informs you of new bank details - by contacting the law firm directly by reliable and established means.
- You can Contact us to find out if a solicitor or law firm is regulated and authorised by the SRA.
- You may also need to verify details independently, such as checking public records (eg. telephone directories and company records) in some circumstances.
Solicitors and law firms
Useful resources to help keep your firm safe:
Last updated: February 2024 | Next update due: May 2024