Alerts

Warning: Emails or messages falsely claiming to be from Thomas Collier from Dentons

27 January 2025

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Thomas Collier from Dentons.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent that falsely claim to be from a genuine solicitor called Thomas Collier, of Dentons (see below for details of the genuine solicitor).

Some of the bogus emails appear to attach a document purporting to be a Non-Disclosure Agreement and they were sent using the email address of 'thomas.collier@dentons-uk.com'. The emails misuse the name and address of a genuine firm and the name of a genuine individual (see below).

The emails also provide different mobile telephone numbers, including in the emails seen by the SRA of +44 7958 167089 and of '+44 7940 511152'.

The SRA have also seen a telephone / WhatsApp number of '+1(901) 264 7782' which misuses the name and picture of the same genuine solicitor.

Any business or transaction through the telephone numbers '+1(901) 264 7782', '+44 7940 511152' or +44 7958 167089, or the email address of 'thomas.collier@dentons-uk.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 Dentons UK and Middle East LLP, which is also known as 'Dentons'. Its genuine London address is One Fleet Place, City of London, London EC4M 7WS. The genuine central contact number for Dentons UK and Middle East LLP, London, is 020 7246 7000.

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.