Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Harper James Limited and Nikki Reid

1 September 2025

An email has been sent misusing the name of Harper James Limited and Nikki Reid in relation to a supposed acquisition.

What is the scam?

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

The email was sent using the email address 'nikki.reid@harperjames-law.com'. The email relates to a supoosed acquisition and the subject title is 'Payment Coordination N78551'.

The SRA has also seen a supposed 'Non Disclosure Agreement'. This document provides the same email above and also a WhatsApp number of '+49 178 3615898'.

The individual has also been in communication using WhatApp in relation to the supoosed acquisition.

Any business or transaction through 'nikki.reid@harperjames-law.com' or the WhatsApp number '+49 178 3615898' are 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 Harper James Limited based at 5th Floor Cavendish House 39-41 Waterloo Street Birmingham B2 5PP The genuine firm uses the domain @harperjames.co.uk.

The SRA does authorise and regulate a solicitor called Nikki Reid who is a Corporate Partner at Harper James Limited.

Harper James Limited and Nikki Reid have confirmed they do not have any connection to the alert above.

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.