Alerts

Warning: Invoice misusing the name of Waterfront Solicitors LLP

24 December 2024

An invoice has been sent misusing the name of Waterfront Solicitors LLP, in relation to legal services fees.

What is the scam?

An invoice has been sent to the accounts department of a company, falsely claiming to be from Waterfront Solicitors LLP (see below for genuine firm details). The invoice relates to a payment of legal services fees.

The invoice misuses the logo, name and address of the genuine firm of solicitors (see below), but directs that payment be made to an account in the name of an individual, with a bank address in West Yorkshire provided.

The SRA understands the scam involves the CEO or Managing Director of a company also being impersonated. An email chain seen by the SRA shows the supposed invoice being purportedly sent to the 'CEO', with the 'CEO' then supposedly sending the invoice to the company accounts team for payment.

An email address used in the scam appears to be 'bconnect1@wp.pl' (purporting to be the UK based CEO), while the email requesting payment be made by the accounts team asks that a proof of payment be sent to 'Sharon' at 'accounts@meruaccounting.sbs' after making the payment.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Waterfront Solicitors LLP, whose address is 14 Weller Street, London, SE1 1QU. The genuine firm uses the email domain @waterfront.law.

The genuine firm Waterfront Solicitors LLP has confirmed that they do not have any genuine connection to the invoice 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.