Alerts

Warning: Phishing emails falsely claiming to be from Hewitts PLP

4 January 2024

The SRA have been informed that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Hewitts PLP relating to property purchases and transfer of funds.

What is the scam?

The SRA understands that one of the email accounts of Hewitts PLP was subjected to a phishing attack and became compromised. The SRA has been informed that subsequently emails were sent in October 2023 falsely claiming to be from Hewitts PLP relating to property purchases and transfer of funds.

We have been advised that false communication was sent from email address emmahaworth@hewiitts.com  Please note double 'ii' in 'hewiitts.com'.

Any communication or transaction through the above email address is not undertaken by Hewitts PLP.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Hewitts PLP. Its head office address is 207 Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7EL and its telephone number is 01388604691. All emails from the genuine firm use the domain name '@hewitts.co.uk', but if you have any concerns about emails received from the firm you should contact it directly. Its genuine website is www.hewitts.co.uk

The genuine firm of Hewitts PLP has confirmed that neither it nor the genuine Emma Haworth who is employed by the firm have a genuine 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.