Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Macfarlanes LLP

22 November 2024

An email has been sent falsely claiming to be from Macfarlanes LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent falsely claiming to be from a genuine solicitor at a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The email request payment of a supposed outstanding invoice.

The email seen by the SRA was sent from 'rosie.duckworth@mecfarslane.com'.

Any business or transaction through 'rosie.duckworth@mecfarslane.com' or any email address using the domain '@mecfarslane.com' is not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Macfarlanes LLP. The genuine firm uses the domain '@macfarlanes.com'.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Rosie Duckworth who is a Partner at Macfarlanes LLP.

The genuine firm of Macfarlanes LLP has confirmed that neither it, nor Rosie Duckworth have any connection to the emails 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.