SRA alert: fraudsters impersonate Womble Bond Dickinson law firm via email
Impersonating: Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
What is this scam?
The Solicitors Regulation Authority issued a formal scam alert on 7 May 2026 after criminals sent emails misusing the name and identity of Joanna Stenhouse, a genuine solicitor at national law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP. The emails falsely suggest recipients are party to a legal or property matter handled by the firm and prompt them to engage — leading ultimately to requests for upfront payments or sensitive financial details. Womble Bond Dickinson has confirmed the emails are fraudulent and did not originate from the firm.
Example scam message
From: joanna.stenhouse@wbd-legal-associates.xyz — Dear [Name], I am writing on behalf of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP regarding a time-sensitive property matter in which your details have been provided as a counterparty. Our client wishes to progress this transaction discreetly and promptly. Please respond directly to this email so I can share further details, and I would ask that you keep this matter confidential at this stage. Kind regards, Joanna Stenhouse, Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP. [Fraudulent — the real firm has no knowledge of this email]
Red flags to look out for
- The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
- Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
- You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
- It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
- The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.
What to do if you receive this
- Do not transfer money — your bank will never ask you to move funds to a 'safe account'.
- Hang up and call your bank directly on the number printed on the back of your card.
- Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
- If you've already transferred money, contact your bank immediately and ask about the APP fraud refund scheme.
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