Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Bevan Brittan LLP

7 August 2024

A number of emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Bevan Brittan LLP in relation to supposed unpaid invoices for legal fees.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent from individual called 'Esther Dale' claiming to be from the Accounts Department of a genuine solicitor and a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The emails were sent from the email address 'accounts@bevannbrittan.com'.

The email attached a supposed unpaid invoice for legal/professional services and requests settlement of the invoice. The invoice provides an address of 'Fleet Place House 2 Fleet Place London EC4M 7RF'.

Any business or transaction using the email address of 'accounts@bevannbrittan.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 firm of solicitors called Bevan Brittan LLP based at Kings Orchard 1 Queen Street Bristol BS2 0HQ. The email domain ends with @bevanbrittan.com.

Bevan Brittan LLP has confirmed they do not have any connection to the email or invoice referred to in the above alert and do not employ a staff member called 'Esther Dale'.

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.