Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Farrer & Co LLP

7 March 2025

An email has been sent misusing the name of Farrer & Co LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent falsely claiming to be from a genuine firm of solicitors (see below) relating to a claim for in relation to the estate of an unknown individual which is currently in probate. 

The email claims that the recipient shares the same surname of the deceased and that potential heirs are being sought before the estate is lost to the government under intestacy laws. The email sets out the alleged assets included in the estate and encourages the recipient to contact him at the earliest convenience.

The email was sent from an individual called 'Martin Henderson' claiming to be a 'Legal Consultant' at the genuine firm. The email was sent using an email address of 'law.martinHenderson@proton.me'.

The email also contained a contact number of +44 7561 603618.

Any business or transaction through the above the email 'law.martinHenderson@proton.me' and the contact number +44 7561 603618 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 Farrer & Co LLP. The firm's genuine email domain ends with @farrer.co.uk.

Farrer & Co LLP has confirmed that they do not have any connection to the email referred to in the above alert and do not employ a staff member called 'Martin Henderson'.

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.