SRA alert: fraudsters impersonate Slaughter and May law firm via email and WhatsApp
Impersonating: Slaughter and May
What is this scam?
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has issued a formal scam alert after criminals sent emails and WhatsApp messages misusing the name and details of a senior partner at prestigious City firm Slaughter and May. The messages claim the recipient will be contacted about a confidential property acquisition matter involving a deposit transfer, and ask the recipient not to discuss it with anyone. Slaughter and May have confirmed these communications did not originate from the firm. The SRA advises anyone receiving such messages to verify the sender directly through the firm's official contact details.
Example scam message
WhatsApp message: 'I am writing to you in strict confidence regarding a significant property acquisition matter on behalf of one of our clients. The transaction must proceed discreetly. You will be contacted shortly with further details, but please be aware that a deposit arrangement will be required to progress the matter. In the meantime, please do not discuss this with anyone. — David Rintoul, Slaughter and May' [The real firm has no knowledge of this message]
Red flags to look out for
- Genuine solicitors do not initiate client relationships via unsolicited WhatsApp messages.
- Requests for confidentiality and instructions not to discuss the matter with anyone are designed to isolate you.
- Any upfront payment request — however described — from an unsolicited contact is a major red flag.
- Always verify a law firm's involvement by calling their switchboard using the number on their official website, not any number given in the message.
What to do if you receive this
- Do not respond to the message or transfer any money.
- Call Slaughter and May directly via their official website switchboard to verify.
- Check whether a solicitor is genuine at sra.org.uk/find-a-solicitor.
- Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk and to the SRA at sra.org.uk.
Received this message?
Forward it to 7726 (free on all UK networks) to report it to your mobile provider.
You can also report it to Action Fraud
or email the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk.
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Check a message nowSource: Action Fraud