Alerts

Warning: Emails falsely claiming to be from Harper James Limited

16 December 2024

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Harper James Limited, regarding the recovery of funds.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Maria Schmidt' of Harper James Limited.

The email seen by the SRA is in German and was sent using the email address 'maria.schmidt@harperjame.co.uk'. The emails advise the recipients that funds previously invested have been recovered and request details from the recipient.

The emails misuse the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (please see below).

Any business or transaction through 'maria.schmidt@harperjame.co.uk' or any email address using the domain '@harperjame.co.uk' (note the missing 's') is 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. The genuine firm uses the domain @harperjames.co.uk.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a person called Maria Schmidt. The SRA does however authorise and regulate a solicitor called Efa Maria Schmidt, who is not employed at the genuine firm. Efa Maria Schmidt is not believed to have any connection to the above matter.

The genuine firm Harper James Limited has confirmed that it does not employ anyone with the name of Maria Schmidt, and that it does not have any connection to the emails referred to in the above alert.

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.