Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Andrew Bateman

22 August 2024

An email has been sent to a member of the public misusing the name of Andrew Bateman in relation to a supposed inheritance matter.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent to a member of the public from someone purporting to be a genuine solicitor (see below) in relation to a supposed inheritance matter.

The email seen by the SRA advises the recipient that they have been nominated to receive a supposed inheritance as they share the same surname as the deceased client.

The email was sent from the email address 'andrewbateman@mailbox.org'.

Any business or transaction through the email address 'andrewbateman@mailbox.org' is not undertaken by a genuine firm or solicitor.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a solicitor called Andrew Bateman. Andrew Bateman has confirmed that he has no connection to the email referred to 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.