Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Morecrofts LLP

15 November 2024

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Morecrofts LLP in relation to property payment requests.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent from two email addresses falsely purporting to be from a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The SRA understands that the emails request the recipient to make payment into an unconnected bank account.

The emails were sent from the email addresses 'cg@morescrofts.co.uk' and 'pjp@morescrofts.co.uk'.

Any business or transaction through the email addresses 'cg@morescrofts.co.uk' and 'pjp@morescrofts.co.uk' or the email domain '@morescrofts.co.uk' 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 genuine firm of solicitors called Morecrofts LLP. Genuine emails from the firm use the domain '@morecrofts.co.uk' (i.e. the domain name of the genuine firm of solicitors contains only a single 's').

The genuine firm of Morecrofts LLP has confirmed 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.